CAN Rejects Chianson’s Claim to Represent It Ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections

The Christian Association of Nigeria said on November 4 that Archbishop Chivir Chianson is not its general secretary and cannot speak or act for the association. CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh issued the clarification in Abuja, saying neither Chianson nor his group has an official affiliation or institutional relationship with CAN. Okoh’s statement said Chianson had “no authority or mandate to speak or act on its behalf.” The association said it had not authorized him or his group to organize political mobilization in its name. It urged Christians, the public and media organizations to disregard claims that they officially represented CAN, and specifically asked television broadcasters to verify guests’ credentials and affiliations. CAN also reaffirmed that it would not endorse a political party or candidate in the 2027 general elections. It said political endorsements by Chianson or his group should not be understood as the association’s position. CAN said it would continue addressing national issues and holding leaders accountable regardless of their party. The clarification follows an endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, president-general of the separate Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria. Nigeria’s information ministry said Kawas made that endorsement at the conference’s September 9 synod at the National Christian Centre in Abuja. CAN said it would take appropriate measures to protect its name and institutional identity, without announcing a detailed timetable.