The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has threatened legal action against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State over the alleged unauthorised inclusion of its Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. Ernest Anezichukwu Obodo, in the party’s campaign council.
The Diocese expressed its displeasure following the listing of Bishop Obodo as Director of the Faith-Based Campaign Group in the Enugu State APC Campaign Council without his knowledge or consent.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 30, 2026, and signed by the Diocesan Chancellor/Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Wilfred Chidi Agubuchie, the Church described the development as unauthorised, misleading and unacceptable.
The statement noted that the Bishop, who also serves as Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Enugu State, neither approved nor had prior knowledge of his alleged appointment.
It added that the inclusion of his name, alongside those of other Catholic priests, could create a false impression of his political affiliation and undermine his integrity and ecclesiastical reputation.
Bishop Obodo reportedly described the action as a malicious attempt to misrepresent and defame him.
Reaffirming the Catholic Church’s position on political neutrality, the Diocese stressed that the Church does not engage in partisan politics, political campaigns or endorsements of political parties.
It, however, acknowledged that individual Christians have the constitutional right to participate in political activities, insisting that such rights must not be used as justification for exploiting the names, positions or offices of Church leaders for partisan purposes.
Consequently, the Diocese demanded the immediate removal of Bishop Obodo’s name and those of other Catholic priests from the APC campaign council list and all related publications.
It warned that any further unauthorised use of the Bishop’s name, title, image or ecclesiastical office for political purposes would attract appropriate legal action.
The Diocese reiterated its commitment to promoting peace, justice and the common good, while maintaining its independence and neutrality in partisan political matters.
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