CAN Rejects Archbishop’s Claim to General Secretary Role
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has publicly disowned Archbishop Chivir Chianson following his alleged claim to the position of the association’s general secretary. In a statement issued on Wednesday, CAN insisted that the cleric holds no authority to speak or act on its behalf, drawing a clear line between its official leadership and the archbishop’s assertions.
Association Distances Itself From Political Mobilisation Group
Beyond the dispute over the general secretary title, the association also distanced itself from a group accused of using its name to mobilise support for a political candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections. CAN reaffirmed its commitment to political neutrality, stressing that it has not thrown its weight behind any politician or party.
CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh addressed both issues in the statement, warning that neither Chianson nor the group he represents has any official affiliation or institutional relationship with the association. According to Okoh, CAN did not authorise, endorse or mandate the cleric or his group to organise or promote any political mobilisation in its name. He further cautioned that any political position, endorsement or activity attributed to them should not be mistaken for the official stance of the Christian body.
“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.
Background to the Dispute
The association’s statement follows public comments linked to the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election by the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), a body for which Chianson serves as Secretary-General. CBCN is a religious association of charismatic and Pentecostal Christian leaders, bishops and archbishops in Nigeria.
In September, the conference’s President-General, Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, announced the endorsement while speaking at the organisation’s 2026 synod. Chianson was also reportedly quoted on a national television programme predicting that Tinubu would win re-election, saying, “God told us President Tinubu will win. He’s not only going to win, he will perform better.” The veracity of that statement could not be independently confirmed.
CAN Warns Against Misuse of Its Identity
Meanwhile, CAN warned against what it described as attempts by individuals and groups without official connections to appropriate its identity and exploit its name for political or personal interests. The association noted that, as the umbrella body representing Christians across Nigeria, it bears a responsibility to protect the interests of the Christian community and to contribute to national development.
Reaffirming its position ahead of the 2027 elections, CAN said it would continue to engage national issues objectively and hold political leaders accountable, irrespective of their party affiliations, without endorsing any political party or candidate.
Call for Media Diligence
The association urged Christians, members of the public and media organisations to disregard claims of official representation by Chianson and his group. It specifically called on TVC News and other media outlets to exercise due diligence in verifying the credentials and institutional affiliations of individuals presented as representatives of CAN.
CAN added that it would take appropriate steps to protect its name, identity and institutional integrity against unauthorised representation and misrepresentation. The statement ultimately serves as a firm reminder that the association intends to guard its public image and remain politically neutral as the country moves toward the next general elections.
