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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
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, insisting that it remains politically neutral and has not authorised any person or organisation to undertake partisan activities on its behalf.
The Association specifically distanced itself from a purported church mobilisation in support of a political candidate allegedly being promoted by Archbishop Chivir Chianson and his group, declaring that neither the cleric nor the organisation he represents has any authority to speak or act in CAN’s name.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, who made the clarification in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the Association had become aware of attempts to create the impression that it was involved in political mobilisation ahead of the next general elections.
He described such representations as misleading and unauthorised, stressing that CAN would not permit its identity, credibility and institutional standing to be exploited for partisan political interests.
Okoh particularly dismissed claims linking Chianson to the leadership of CAN, stating that he was neither the General Secretary of the Association nor an authorised representative empowered to make pronouncements on its behalf.
“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 further clarified that the group represented by Chianson had no official affiliation, working relationship or institutional connection with the Association, adding that any political endorsement, mobilisation or public declaration attributed to the group should not be misconstrued as reflecting CAN’s position.
He maintained that the Association had neither authorised nor endorsed Chianson or his group to organise, promote or undertake any political mobilisation under its name.
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Okoh said CAN as the umbrella body representing Christians across Nigeria, has a responsibility to protect the interests of the Christian community, promote peaceful coexistence and contribute meaningfully to national development without surrendering its independence to partisan political interests.
He explained that while the Association would continue to engage government and other political stakeholders on issues affecting Nigerians, such engagement should not be interpreted as support for any particular political party, candidate or electoral ambition.
The CAN president reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to addressing national issues objectively and holding political leaders accountable, irrespective of their political affiliations, stressing that its interventions would continue to be guided by the collective interests of Nigerians and the pursuit of good governance.
He insisted that CAN would neither endorse candidates nor mobilise its members to support any political party in the 2027 general elections.
Okoh consequently urged Christians, members of the public and media organisations to disregard any claims suggesting that Chianson or his group had been authorised to represent the Association or undertake political activities in its name.
He particularly called on TVC News and other media organisations to exercise greater diligence in verifying the identities, credentials and institutional affiliations of individuals introduced or presented as representatives of CAN.
The CAN president warned that the Association would take all appropriate steps to safeguard its name, identity, credibility and institutional integrity against unauthorised representation, impersonation and misrepresentation.
He reiterated that CAN would remain committed to its responsibility as a national Christian umbrella organisation while maintaining its independence from partisan political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
