CAN Disowns Archbishop Chivir Chianson, Reaffirms Political Neutrality Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has disowned Archbishop Chivir Chianson over his alleged claim to the position of its General Secretary, insisting that he has no authority to represent or speak on behalf of the association.

The Christian body also distanced itself from a group allegedly using its name to mobilise support for a political candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections, reaffirming that it would not endorse any political party or candidate.

CAN Clarifies Chianson's Position

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the position known in a statement issued on Wednesday. He said neither Chianson nor the group he represents had 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 political activities in its name. He warned that any political endorsement or position attributed to them should not be regarded as the official position 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 said.

Dispute Follows Tinubu's 2027 Endorsement

CAN's clarification follows public comments by Chianson concerning the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for re-election by the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), where he serves as Secretary-General.

The CBCN President-General, Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, announced the endorsement in September during the organisation's 2026 synod.

Chianson was also reported to have predicted Tinubu's re-election during a television appearance, claiming that God had revealed the outcome to him. However, PUNCH Online stated that it could not independently confirm the reported remark.

CAN Reaffirms Neutrality Ahead of 2027

CAN warned against attempts by individuals or groups without official connections to use its name for political or personal interests.

The association said it would continue to engage national issues objectively and hold political leaders accountable regardless of their party affiliations, while maintaining its position against endorsing political parties or candidates.

It urged Christians, members of the public and media organisations to disregard claims of official representation by Chianson and his group. The association specifically appealed to TVC News and other media outlets to verify the credentials and affiliations of individuals presented as its representatives.

CAN added that it would take appropriate steps to protect its name, identity and institutional integrity against unauthorised representation.

Punch Newspapers