The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has distanced itself from Archbishop Chivir Chianson and his group, denying any official affiliation with them or authorisation to organise political mobilisation in its name ahead of the 2027 general elections.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said Chianson was not the association’s General Secretary and had no authority to speak or act on its behalf.
In a statement, Okoh also clarified that the group represented by Chianson had no official affiliation, working relationship or institutional connection with the Christian umbrella body.
The clarification followed attempts to associate CAN with a purported church mobilisation in support of a political candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.
The association stressed that it had neither authorised nor endorsed Chianson or his group to organise, promote or participate in any political activity in its name.
It warned that any political endorsement or position attributed to the group should not be mistaken for CAN’s official position.
Reaffirming its commitment to political neutrality, CAN said it would continue to engage national issues objectively and hold political leaders accountable, irrespective of their political affiliations, without endorsing any party or candidate.
The association further warned individuals and groups against appropriating its identity to advance personal or political interests.
It urged Christians, members of the public and media organisations to disregard claims that Chianson or his group officially represented CAN.
The association also called on TVC News and other media organisations to verify the credentials and institutional affiliations of individuals presented as its representatives before granting them such recognition.
CAN said it would take appropriate steps to protect its name, identity and institutional integrity against unauthorised representation and misrepresentation.
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