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…distances self from pro-candidate church mobilisation
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has warned individuals and groups against using its name to endorse political candidates or mobilise support for political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to political neutrality, insisting that it would not endorse or mobilise support for any political party or candidate.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stated this in a press statement issued on Wednesday, following what the Association described as attempts by Archbishop Chivir Chianson and his group to associate CAN with a purported church mobilisation in support of a political candidate.
Okoh said CAN had not authorised Chianson to speak or act on its behalf, stressing that he was not the General Secretary of the Association.
He also declared that the group Chianson represents had no official affiliation, working relationship or institutional connection with CAN.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Archbishop Chivir Chianson is not the General Secretary of CAN and has no authority or mandate to speak or act on its behalf,” the statement said.
The CAN president said the Association had neither authorised nor endorsed the individual or his group to organise, promote or undertake any political mobilisation in its name.
He warned that any political position, endorsement or activity attributed to Chianson or his group must not be mistaken for CAN’s official position.
According to Okoh, CAN, as the umbrella body representing Christians across Nigeria, has a responsibility to defend the interests of the Christian community and contribute to national development.
He said the Association would not allow individuals or groups without official relationships with it to appropriate its identity or exploit its name for political or personal interests.
Okoh reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to engaging national issues objectively and holding political leaders accountable, irrespective of party affiliation.
He, however, maintained that the Association would not endorse or mobilise support for any political party or candidate as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The CAN president urged members of the public, particularly Christians, and media organisations to disregard claims of official representation of the Association by Chianson and his group.
He also called on TVC News and other media organisations to exercise due diligence in verifying the credentials and institutional affiliations of individuals presented as representatives of CAN.
Okoh warned that the Association would take all appropriate steps to protect its name, identity and institutional integrity against unauthorised representation and misrepresentation.
