Obi Condemns AI Image Linking Him, Onaiyekan to Pope

The Peter Obi Media Reach(POMR) has condemned an alleged AI-generated image depicting the African Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Cardinal John Onaiyekan and Enugu State NDC governorship candidate, Sir Chinyeaka Oha, seeking Pope Leo XIV’s blessing for electoral victory.
In a statement signed by POMR spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, the office described the image as misleading and urged political opponents to stop involving the Pope and the Catholic Church in partisan campaigns.
The statement, dated October 22, said religious institutions should not be exploited for political advantage, stressing that the Catholic Church must be allowed to carry out its spiritual responsibilities without being drawn into electoral disputes.
Obi, according to the statement, expressed disappointment over the incident and called for political campaigns to focus on Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including poverty, insecurity, corruption and economic hardship.
He also urged candidates to engage in substantive debate on their records, policies, competence, character and vision for the country.
“The 2027 election must focus on Nigeria’s future, not fabricated religious controversies,” the statement quoted Obi as saying.
The media office maintained that Obi’s campaign was focused on expanding opportunities for young people and building a country where citizens could live with dignity and hope.
It called on political actors to keep the Pope and the Catholic Church out of partisan disputes and concentrate on issues affecting Nigerians.
The statement concluded with Obi’s campaign slogan: “A New Nigeria Is Possible.”