The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has distanced itself from Archbishop Chivir Chianson over his alleged claim to the position of its General Secretary, insisting that the cleric has no authority to speak or act on behalf of the association.
The Christian body also disowned 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, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, warning that neither Chianson nor the group he represents has any official affiliation or institutional relationship with the association.
Okoh maintained that CAN had neither authorised nor endorsed the cleric or his group to organise political activities or mobilise support for any candidate in the association’s name.
He stressed that any political position, endorsement or activity linked to them should not be regarded as the official position of CAN.
“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 read.
The clarification follows 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 a religious association comprising charismatic and Pentecostal Christian leaders, bishops and archbishops across Nigeria.
In September, the organisation’s President-General, Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, announced its endorsement of Tinubu during its 2026 synod.
Chianson was also reported to have predicted during a television appearance that Tinubu would secure re-election, claiming that God had revealed the outcome to them.
“God told us President Tinubu will win. He’s not only going to win, he will perform better,” he reportedly said.
However, PUNCH Online stated that it could not independently verify the comment.
Meanwhile, CAN warned against attempts by individuals and groups without official connections to appropriate its identity and exploit its name for political or personal interests.
The association explained that, as the umbrella organisation representing Christians across Nigeria, it had a responsibility to protect the interests of the Christian community while contributing 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.
It, however, maintained that it would not endorse any political party or candidate.
The association urged Christians, members of the public and media organisations to disregard claims that Chianson and his group officially represent CAN.
It specifically appealed to TVC News and other media organisations to verify the credentials and institutional affiliations of individuals presented as representatives of the Christian body.
CAN added that it would take appropriate measures to protect its name, identity and institutional integrity against unauthorised representation and misrepresentation.
