The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has distanced itself from Archbishop Chivir Chianson, declaring that he is neither its General Secretary nor authorised to speak on behalf of the association.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the clarification in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, following reports linking Chianson and his group to political mobilisation in support of a candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Okoh stressed that neither Chianson nor the group he represents has any official affiliation or institutional relationship with CAN.
He also clarified that the association had not authorised or endorsed any individual or group to organise political activities or promote candidates using its name.
The clarification follows controversy surrounding the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid by the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), an organisation whose Secretary-General is Chianson.
The CBCN had announced its support for Tinubu during its 2026 synod in September.
Reacting to the development, CAN warned individuals and organisations against using its identity to advance personal or political interests without official authorisation.
Reaffirming its position ahead of the 2027 elections, the association maintained that it would remain politically neutral and would not endorse any political party or presidential candidate.
However, CAN stated that its neutrality would not prevent it from engaging national issues objectively, defending the interests of Christians and holding political leaders accountable regardless of their party affiliations.
The association also urged media organisations, particularly TVC News, to verify the credentials and institutional affiliations of individuals presented as its representatives.
CAN warned that it would take appropriate measures to protect its name and institutional identity against unauthorised representation.
