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The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has disowned the inclusion of the name of the Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Ernest Anezichukwu Obodo, in the Enugu State All Progressives Congress (APC) Faith-Based Campaign Group, describing the action as unauthorised, misleading and unacceptable.
The Diocese, in a disclaimer dated October 30, 2026, said Bishop Obodo’s name was listed as Director of the Faith-Based Campaign Group in the Enugu State APC Campaign Council without his knowledge or consent.
The statement, signed by the Diocesan Chancellor/Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Wilfred Chidi Agubuchie, also disclosed that the names of some Catholic priests were included in the campaign list without their authorisation.
It said the unauthorised inclusion of the Bishop’s name created a false impression of his political disposition and constituted a serious misrepresentation capable of undermining his integrity and ecclesiastical reputation.
According to the Diocese, Bishop Obodo has strongly condemned what it described as a malicious act of misrepresentation and defamation.
Reaffirming the Catholic Church’s position on partisan politics, the Diocese said the Church neither participates in political campaigns nor endorses political parties.
It stressed that the Church remained politically neutral and committed to its spiritual mission and the promotion of peace, justice and the common good.
“While individual Christians are free to exercise their civic and democratic rights, no individual or group should exploit the name, office or identity of the Church or its ministers for partisan political interests,” the statement said.
Consequently, the Diocese demanded the immediate removal of Bishop Obodo’s name and those of all other Catholic priests allegedly listed without their knowledge and consent from the campaign list and related publications.
It also warned that any further unauthorised use of the Bishop’s name, title, image or ecclesiastical office for partisan political purposes would attract appropriate legal action.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Catholic Church is not a political campaign organisation and must not be presented as one,” the Diocese declared.
