A video of Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Prof. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, delivering a homily has gone viral on social media, with supporters interpreting his message as a call for Christians to take civic and political participation seriously.
The roughly four-minute video was shared widely on X on August 19, 2026, amid renewed controversy over religious rhetoric and political mobilisation in Nigeria.
Bishop Calls for Political Action
In the video, Onah warned against allowing religious or political leaders to manipulate citizens and urged Christians to move beyond passive participation.
Users sharing the footage described the message as a warning against being “sheepishly” led by selfish, corrupt or bigoted leaders, while encouraging Christians to “rise and do the needful.”
The circulation has been accompanied by the phrase “Christianity is not Stupidity,” which supporters have linked to the bishop’s broader message on civic responsibility and political participation.
“35 Million Votes” Reference Emerges
The post that helped push the video into wider circulation was shared by X user @AndrewOkere, who described the message as relevant to Christians following recent comments in Nigeria’s religious and political space.
The accompanying reference to “35 million votes” appears to connect the video to claims made by supporters of Peter Obi and the Labour Party concerning the 2023 presidential election.
The religioucs context also relates to recent controversy over remarks attributed to Islamic clerics who used the term “infidels” while advocating Muslim-Muslim political leadership. The comments have attracted condemnation from Christian groups and other Nigerians.
Bishop Onah’s Background
Bishop Onah, who was born on August 18, 1956, became Bishop of Nsukka in 2013. He previously served as vice-rector of the Pontifical Urban University in Rome.
He has become known for homilies and public interventions touching on governance, insecurity, moral responsibility and leadership in Nigeria.
His public messages have often emphasised justice, accountability and the responsibility of citizens to participate actively in shaping society.
Full Context of Video Unclear
Although the video is being widely presented as a political mobilisation message, the exact date and full context of the particular homily were not independently established in major reports accompanying its latest circulation.
The Diocese of Nsukka and Bishop Onah had also not issued a specific statement addressing the current social media circulation of the video as of the latest reports.
The renewed attention to the footage comes as debates over religion, politics and voter mobilisation intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
