Peter Obi’s camp has condemned an alleged AI-generated image showing the former Anambra State governor alongside Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal John Onaiyekan and Enugu State NDC governorship candidate Sir Chinyeaka Oha.
The Peter Obi Media Office (POMR) accused unnamed political opponents of using the Catholic Church to promote partisan interests ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, 2026, and signed by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, the office described the image as deceptive. It urged political actors to keep the Pope and the Catholic Church out of electoral campaigns.
According to the statement, the image purportedly showed Obi, Onaiyekan and Oha standing before the Pope and seeking his blessing for electoral victory.
Peter Obi’s Camp Warns Against Religious Politics
The media office strongly criticised the alleged use of the image, describing it as misleading and unwarranted.
It argued that religious institutions should not become tools for advancing political interests or influencing electoral contests.
“The Church is a sacred institution that must be respected rather than exploited for political gain,” the statement said.
However, the office did not identify the individuals responsible for creating or circulating the image. The claim that artificial intelligence was used to produce it has also not been independently verified in the material provided.
Obi’s Camp Urges Debate on Policies and Leadership
POMR said Obi’s campaign remained focused on Nigeria’s major challenges, including poverty, insecurity, corruption and economic hardship.
The office also highlighted the need to expand opportunities for young Nigerians, insisting that political discussions should centre on policies and solutions rather than religious controversies.
“Let us debate our records, policies, competence, character, and vision for the country,” Obi was quoted as saying in the statement.
The former Anambra governor also expressed disappointment over the alleged incident. He maintained that the 2027 presidential election should focus on the country’s future rather than fabricated religious controversies.
NDC Campaign Calls for Separation of Church and Politics
Obi, who is contesting the 2027 presidential election under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), urged political actors to respect the Pope and the Catholic Church’s spiritual responsibilities.
He called on campaigners to concentrate on the issues affecting Nigerians and avoid dragging religious institutions into partisan disputes.
“Let us keep the Church separate from politics and focus the campaign on the genuine issues facing Nigerians,” he said.
The media office concluded its statement with the campaign slogan, “A New Nigeria Is Possible.”
The controversy adds to the political debate ahead of the 2027 elections, with Obi’s camp calling for greater attention to candidates’ records, policies and plans for the country.