The Christian Association of Nigeria has distanced itself from a cleric linked to the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid. CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stated that Archbishop Chivir Chianson had no official mandate to speak or act on behalf of the association. Chianson allegedly presented himself as CAN's General Secretary. Okoh's statement was released following public comments surrounding the endorsement of Tinubu's second-term ambition by the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria.
The Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, whose Secretary-General is Chianson, announced its support for Tinubu's re-election during its 2026 synod in September. However, CAN maintained that the endorsement represented neither its institutional position nor an authorised political decision by the association. CAN's statement clarified that Chianson had no authority to speak or act on its behalf. The association reaffirmed its commitment to political neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Archbishop Okoh stressed that CAN would not endorse any political candidate or party ahead of the 2027 elections. He also disowned a group allegedly using CAN's name to mobilise support for a political candidate. Okoh stated that neither the cleric nor the organisation had any institutional relationship with the Christian body. The association urged Christians, members of the public, and media organisations to disregard claims suggesting that Chianson or his group officially represented CAN.
The development follows a recent trend of groups and individuals making public endorsements of President Tinubu's re-election bid. Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, and Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate, have raised concerns over alleged plots to weaken opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. CAN's clarification aims to set the record straight on its stance on political endorsements.
CAN's commitment to political neutrality is a significant development in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. The association's statement serves as a reminder that it will not be swayed into endorsing any particular candidate or party. This move is expected to have implications for the political landscape, particularly among Christian voters.
The Christian Association of Nigeria is one of the largest Christian organisations in Nigeria, with a significant following across the country. Its stance on political endorsements is closely watched by politicians, voters, and the general public. By disowning Chianson and reaffirming its neutrality, CAN has sent a clear message on its role in the country's politics.
The development has sparked reactions from various stakeholders, with some hailing CAN's decision to maintain its neutrality. Others have expressed concerns over the potential impact of the association's stance on the 2027 elections. As the country prepares for another round of elections, the role of religious organisations in politics is likely to remain a subject of debate.
Key points
- Christian Association of Nigeria distances itself from cleric linked to President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid
- CAN reaffirms commitment to political neutrality ahead of 2027 general elections
- Association disowns group allegedly using its name to mobilise support for political candidate
