The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has distanced itself from Archbishop Chivir Chianson, declaring that he is neither its General Secretary nor an authorised representative of the association.
The Christian umbrella organisation also reaffirmed its political neutrality ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, insisting that it has not endorsed any political party or presidential candidate.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the clarification in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, following reports linking Chianson and a group associated with him to alleged church-based political mobilisation.
CAN denies Archbishop Chivir Chianson’s leadership claims
According to Okoh, the association became concerned after Chianson allegedly presented himself as CAN’s General Secretary and suggested that his activities had the backing of the Christian body.
The CAN president rejected the claim, maintaining that Chianson had no official position or authority to represent the organisation.
He also explained that the group associated with the cleric had no recognised institutional relationship with CAN.
Okoh said the clarification was necessary to prevent members of the public from confusing the activities of unauthorised individuals with the official decisions of the association.
He emphasised that statements or political activities attributed to Chianson and his group should not be interpreted as representing CAN’s position.
CAN distances itself from alleged 2027 political mobilisation
The controversy centres on claims involving a proposed church mobilisation initiative intended to support a political candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
CAN said it had neither approved nor participated in any such initiative.
The association maintained that no individual or outside group had received permission to use its identity to organise political campaigns or promote candidates.
Okoh warned against using the name of the Christian body to pursue political or personal interests without authorisation.
He said CAN would continue to protect its institutional independence and prevent its identity from being misrepresented.
The statement did not identify the political candidate allegedly connected to the mobilisation effort.
CAN reaffirms neutrality ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections
Addressing the association’s political position, Okoh said CAN would remain nonpartisan throughout the election period.
He explained that the organisation’s responsibility was to represent the interests of Christians while contributing to national development and public accountability.
According to him, CAN would continue to examine government policies, comment on national issues and hold elected officials accountable without regard to their political affiliations.
The association stressed that such engagement should not be confused with endorsing a political party or mobilising voters for a particular candidate.
Okoh’s remarks reinforced CAN’s stated intention to maintain its independence while participating in national conversations about governance, security and the welfare of citizens.
CAN cautions TVC News and other media organisations
The association also raised concerns about how individuals claiming to represent religious organisations are identified in media reports and television appearances.
Okoh specifically urged TVC News and other media outlets to verify the official positions and affiliations of guests presented as CAN representatives.
He said accurate identification was essential to prevent misleading claims from gaining public credibility.
The CAN president called on journalists and broadcasters to conduct appropriate checks before attributing political statements to the association.
His comments formed part of a broader appeal for responsible reporting as political activities increase ahead of the 2027 elections.
Christian leaders urged to disregard unauthorised representation
CAN advised Christians across Nigeria and members of the wider public not to accept claims of official representation made by Chianson or the group associated with him.
The association maintained that its recognised leadership remained responsible for communicating official positions on national matters.
Okoh said CAN would take appropriate measures to defend its name, institutional identity and credibility against unauthorised use.
He did not specify the particular legal or administrative steps the association might pursue.
Why CAN’s neutrality matters ahead of the 2027 polls
Religious organisations are influential participants in Nigeria’s public life, particularly in discussions about governance, national unity, security and citizens’ welfare.
As the 2027 general elections approach, public statements attributed to prominent religious bodies may attract significant political attention.
CAN’s latest clarification draws a distinction between its institutional positions and the personal political activities of individuals who may identify as Christian leaders.
The association has maintained that it can contribute to public debate and demand accountability from political officeholders without formally supporting candidates or political parties.
For now, CAN’s position is that Archbishop Chivir Chianson has no authority to speak on its behalf and that the organisation has not authorised the political mobilisation attributed to him.
