2027: CAN disowns archbishop, restates political neutrality

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh

The Christian Association of Nigeria has disowned Archbishop Chivir Chianson over his alleged claim to the position of its general secretary, insisting that he has no authority to speak or act on behalf of the association.

The association also distanced itself from a group allegedly using its name to mobilise support for a political candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections, reaffirming its commitment to political neutrality.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday, warning that neither Chianson nor the group he represents had any official affiliation or institutional relationship with the association.

Okoh said CAN had not authorised, endorsed or mandated the cleric or his group to organise or promote any political mobilisation in its name.

He said any political position, endorsement or activity attributed to them should not be mistaken for the official position of the Christian body.

“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.

CAN’s statement comes against the backdrop of his public comments over the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election by the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, a conference of which Chianson is the Secretary-General.

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CBCN is a religious association of charismatic and Pentecostal Christian leaders, bishops, and archbishops in Nigeria.

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In September, the President-General of the conference, Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, announced the endorsement while speaking at the organisation’s 2026 synod.

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Chianson also reportedly predicted on a national TV show that Tinubu would win re-election, saying, “God told us President Tinubu will win. He’s not only going to win, he will perform better.” PUNCH Online cannot confirm this statement.

Meanwhile, CAN warned against what it described as attempts by individuals and groups without official connections to appropriate its identity and exploit its name for political or personal interests.

It said that, as the umbrella body representing Christians across Nigeria, it had a responsibility to protect the interests of the Christian community and contribute to national development.

Reaffirming its position ahead of the 2027 elections, CAN said it would continue to engage national issues objectively and hold political leaders accountable, irrespective of their party affiliations, without endorsing any political party or candidate.

The association urged Christians, members of the public and media organisations to disregard claims of official representation by Chianson and his group.

It specifically 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.

The Christian body added that it would take appropriate steps to protect its name, identity and institutional integrity against unauthorised representation and misrepresentation.