Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has distanced itself from Archbishop Chivir Chianson and a group allegedly using its name to mobilise political support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The association clarified that Chianson was not its General Secretary and had no authority to speak or act on its behalf.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the clarification in a statement issued on Wednesday, stressing that neither the cleric nor the group he represents had any official affiliation with the Christian body.
Okoh said CAN had not authorised or endorsed any political mobilisation by Chianson or his associates, adding that statements and political endorsements attributed to them should not be regarded as the association’s official position.
“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.
The clarification follows public comments by Chianson 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, an association of charismatic and Pentecostal Christian leaders, announced its endorsement of Tinubu during its 2026 synod in September.
Its President-General, Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, made the announcement at the gathering.
Chianson also attracted attention after appearing on a national television programme, where he was quoted as saying, “God told us President Tinubu will win. He’s not only going to win, he will perform better.”
CAN warned that individuals and organisations without official ties to the association must not appropriate its identity for political or personal interests.
Reaffirming its position ahead of the 2027 general elections, the association said it would maintain political neutrality while continuing to engage with national issues and hold political leaders accountable, regardless of their party affiliations.
It stressed that its responsibility to represent Christians across Nigeria did not include endorsing political parties or individual candidates.
The association urged Christians, members of the public and media organisations to disregard claims that Chianson or his group officially represented CAN.
It also specifically appealed to TVC News and other media organisations to verify the credentials and institutional affiliations of individuals presented as the association’s representatives.
CAN said it would take appropriate measures to protect its name, identity and institutional integrity against unauthorised representation and misrepresentation.
