CAN disowns archbishop over Tinubu endorsement, denies political affiliation
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineThe Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) 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 Christian body 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, saying 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 political activities or mobilise support for any candidate in its name.
He warned that political positions, endorsements or activities attributed to them should not be regarded as the official position of the Christian organisation.
“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.
Also Read:
- Over 6,000 human rights complaints remain pending in Bauchi — NHRC
- Just in: West Ham appoint former captain Scott Parker as head coach
- Mr Macaroni bags Master’s degree with distinction from UK school + Video
- CAN disowns archbishop over Tinubu endorsement, denies political affiliation
- Andorra defender defends goalkeeper as police investigate Tenerife striker’s death
The clarification followed Chianson’s public comments concerning the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid by the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), where he serves as Secretary-General.
The CBCN is an association of charismatic and Pentecostal Christian leaders, bishops and archbishops in Nigeria.
In September, the conference’s President-General, Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, announced its endorsement of Tinubu during the organisation’s 2026 synod.
Chianson also reportedly predicted during a national television programme that Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election.
“God told us President Tinubu will win. He’s not only going to win, he will perform better.”
The report containing the allegation noted that the statement could not be independently confirmed.
Meanwhile, CAN cautioned against attempts by individuals and groups without official connections to appropriate its identity and use its name for political or personal interests.
The association 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 general elections, CAN said it would continue to engage national issues objectively and hold political leaders accountable, irrespective of their party affiliations.
However, it stressed that such engagements would not involve 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 verify 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.
[wpadcenter_ad id='745970' align='none']