ENUGU — The Bishop of the Diocese of Oji-River, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Rt. Rev. Dr. Ikechukwu Joseph Egbuonu, has formally dissociated himself from his reported appointment into the All Progressives Congress (APC) Enugu State Campaign Council.
In an official disclaimer and statement of position dated October 30, 2026, Bishop Egbuonu stated that he was never consulted, informed, or formally notified prior to the inclusion of his name in the party’s campaign structure or its Faith-Based (Christians) Directorate.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I neither applied for, consented to, accepted, nor authorised anyone to enlist my name in such a political structure,” the cleric stated. He added that any publication or announcement suggesting his membership in a political party or campaign team does not reflect his knowledge, consent, or personal position.
Explaining the rationale behind his stance, Bishop Egbuonu emphasized that serving as a partisan political operative or openly campaigning for any political party is inconsistent with the ethics, responsibilities, and spiritual obligations of his episcopal office.
“My calling requires me to provide spiritual leadership to all people, irrespective of their political affiliations, persuasions, or choices,” the statement read. “I must, therefore, preserve the impartiality, independence, and moral authority of the Church.”
While noting that he retains his constitutional right as an eligible citizen to make a personal voting choice at the appropriate time, the Bishop maintained a strict distinction between private electoral preferences and public partisan representation—a line he stated he does not intend to blur.
Consequently, Bishop Egbuonu has demanded the immediate withdrawal of his name from any political list, publication, or arrangement, urging that no further representations be made suggesting his participation or endorsement. He reaffirmed his commitment to the Gospel and to providing non-partisan pastoral leadership to all members of the community.
ACNN TV.
