2027: Dan Onjeh under fire for dragging Bishop Apochi into politics

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Benue South aspirant, Dan Onjeh, has come under criticism for allegedly dragging the Catholic Church into partisan politics ahead of the 2027 elections.

Onjeh, who has contested for the Benue South senatorial seat since 2015 without success, recently shared details of a visit to the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, describing it as a consultation for “counsel and spiritual guidance” on his political journey.

“I went for consultation and to seek his counsel and spiritual guidance on my journey. I am grateful for the time and the prayers,” Onjeh wrote.

However, his post sparked reactions after a Catholic priest, Fr. Santa, cautioned against using the visit for political gain, insisting that the Bishop remains neutral in partisan matters.

In a strongly worded statement, Fr. Santa emphasised that Bishop Apochi “remains a father to all Idoma sons and daughters” and does not endorse political candidates.

He noted that the cleric has consistently maintained a non-partisan stance and has instructed priests under his diocese to refrain from engaging in politics.

“The Bishop’s role is purely pastoral. Anyone who visits him is received with openness, offered guidance, and prayed for. Therefore, photographs taken with individuals, including public figures, should not be misinterpreted or manipulated for political gain,” the statement read.

The priest further decried what he described as the misuse of images from such visits on social media to create “false impressions and narratives.”

He urged politicians in Idoma land to exercise restraint and avoid dragging the Church into political contests, stressing that religious institutions should not be used for campaigns or propaganda.

“As elections approach, all stakeholders must act with integrity and avoid divisive rhetoric. The Church must not be used as a tool for political campaigns,” he added.

Fr. Santa also called for unity and peace in Idoma land, noting that ongoing tensions require collective attention rather than actions capable of deepening divisions.