The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has dissociated itself from Archbishop Chivir Chianson and the group he represents, following attempts to present himself as the General Secretary of the Association and associate CAN with a purported church mobilisation in support of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement made available to Church Times and signed by its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the body stated that Archbishop Chianson is not the General Secretary of CAN and has no authority or mandate to speak or act on its behalf.
CAN also clarified that the group he represents has no official affiliation, working relationship or institutional connection with CAN.
“CAN has not authorised, endorsed or mandated the individual or his group to organise, promote or undertake any political mobilisation in its name. Any political position, endorsement or activity attributed to them must not be mistaken for the position or activities of the Association.
As the umbrella body representing Christians across Nigeria, CAN .said it has a responsibility to defend the interests of the Christian community and contribute to national development.
The body stated further that it will not allow individuals or groups with no official relationship with the Association to appropriate its identity or exploit its name to advance political or personal interests.
The Association also affirm its commitment to political neutrality as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. “CAN will continue to engage national issues objectively and hold political leaders accountable, irrespective of party affiliation, without endorsing or mobilising support for any political party or candidate,” the statement noted.
It urged members of the public, particularly Christians, as well as media organisations, to disregard any claim of official representation of CAN by the individual or his group.
It then 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 the Association.
CAN assured that it will take all appropriate steps to protect its name, identity and institutional integrity against unauthorised representation and misrepresentation.
