The cleric rejects accusations of disloyalty while defending his fresh political alignment
Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas defended his endorsement of President Bola Tinubu on Arise News on September 13, 2026. Kawas dismissed critics calling him fake, revealing that he funded his own trips to support Peter Obi during the 2023 elections without ever taking a single naira from the politician.
Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas has openly confronted angry critics following his recent political shift. The fiery cleric rejected accusations that money influenced his choice to back President Bola Tinubu.
On September 13, 2026, Kawas appeared on Arise News to set the record straight. He addressed the public backlash that erupted after his group endorsed the president for a second term. The cleric noted that his accusers ignored his long history of independent public service.
Independent support for Peter Obi
Kawas explained that he spent personal funds to support Peter Obi during the 2023 race. He expressed deep anger over the double standards of his critics today.
“When I was supporting Peter Obi initially, he never gave me one naira. Now that I am supporting Tinubu, people are calling me fake,” he said.
Kawas gave further details about how he travelled to rallies without asking for reimbursement. He carried other ministers with him across state lines to lift up the campaign in prayer. The former Anambra governor never once checked on their travel needs or hotel rooms.
“He would just see me at the campaign. We would pray for him. I would pay the transportation of six clergymen. We would come there and support him. He never asked me, ‘How did I come? Which hotel did I sleep?’ Yet I did it, and nobody called me fake,” he said.
Past service under Goodluck Jonathan
The bishop reminded the public of his deep political ties that began decades ago. He backed former President Goodluck Jonathan during his early days as deputy governor in Bayelsa State.
“I was the only bishop in Goodluck Jonathan’s presidential campaign council. And I took campaign everywhere. Nobody called me fake,” he added.
Divine guidance and the 2027 race
Kawas insisted that personal faith and divine instruction guide his current political stance. He questioned why people now attack his integrity for following his spiritual conviction.
“Is it now, because I have prayed and God has led me that it is Tinubu, that I suddenly now become fake?” he asked.
Kawas serves as the President-General of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria. The group officially endorsed President Tinubu for the 2027 election during their annual synod in Abuja. Kawas praised Tinubu for appointing Christians and working to unite the country across religious lines.
The cleric affirmed that he will keep praying for national leaders despite public hostility. He maintained that true faith requires standing firmly behind chosen leadership without fear.
