According to a report by Vanguard on Sunday, September 13, 2026, Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, a leader of the Charismatic Bishops, has explained his involvement in Nigerian politics, insisting that his decision to support Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election was not motivated by any financial benefit from the former Anambra State governor.
The cleric said his participation was based on his personal support for Obi’s presidential ambition at the time.
Kawas made the clarification while appearing on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme, where he addressed issues surrounding his political activities and the criticism that has followed his participation in political matters.
His comments also came amid controversy over the recent decision by the Charismatic Bishops to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for another term in office.
The Archbishop explained that his political involvement had not been limited to supporting a particular candidate for financial reasons.
According to him, he backed Obi during the early phase of the former governor’s presidential campaign and was actively involved in accompanying him to various parts of the country as he sought support ahead of the 2023 election.
Kawas stressed that despite travelling with Obi and supporting his presidential ambition, he did not receive any monetary compensation from him.
He maintained that his support for the former Anambra State governor was not based on an expectation of payment or any financial arrangement between them.
The cleric further recalled the extent of his involvement during the initial stage of Obi’s presidential ambition, noting that he travelled alongside him to different locations across Nigeria during the campaign period.
He presented the experience as part of his involvement in the political process at the time rather than an activity undertaken for personal financial gain.
His remarks were made in the context of questions about the role of religious leaders in politics and the position taken by the Charismatic Bishops concerning the 2027 presidential election.
The recent endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term has generated attention, particularly because Kawas had previously supported Obi during the 2023 presidential contest.
Responding to the criticism and explaining his position on his previous political involvement, Kawas said his support for Obi during the earlier campaign was given without receiving money from him.
He said he accompanied Obi across the country during the initial phase of his presidential ambition and specifically maintained that neither naira nor dollar was given to him for his support.
“I supported Peter Obi at the initial stage of his presidential ambition and went with him everywhere in Nigeria and he never gave me one dollar, one naira,” Kawas said.