The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State Chapter, has cautioned individuals, groups, and organizations against endorsing candidates or political parties in its name.
This warning was issued in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.
The statement, released by the association’s Chairman, Rev. Elisha Ogundiya, in Ibadan on Monday, reiterated the warning against unauthorized claims.
Ogundiya said the association’s executive had received reports of individuals, groups, and organizations claiming to represent the Christian body.
He observed that these individuals and groups were endorsing candidates and political parties in preparation for the upcoming elections across multiple constituencies, senatorial districts, and the state.
He said the executive received reports of such endorsements, particularly from its zonal arm in Oke-Ogun, and of skirmishes elsewhere in the association within the state.
The chairman noted that the state chapter of CAN acknowledged and encouraged individuals, groups and bodies to fully and actively participate in electioneering processes.
He emphasised that CAN, at all organisational levels, will not endorse any candidate or political party.
He explained that CAN, by its objectives, was an umbrella body for the protection and defence of the rights and welfare of Christians and Christianity as a faith in all its ramifications.
He stressed that CAN, as an organization, is non-partisan and maintains no affiliation with any political party or interest group.
He noted that CAN recognizes that its membership spans all political parties and interest groups.
According to him, CAN is the only body that can convene, through its various organs and levels and in line with its objectives, any stakeholders’ forum or meeting.
Ogundiya added that the executive council of CAN should be recognized as speaking for, or on behalf of, the Christian body in the state.
The CAN chairman noted that all Christians have the inherent right to participate actively in the electioneering process by registering as voters, collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), voting, and ensuring that their votes count.
He further stated that all Christians are free to join and associate with any political party of their choice.
Ogundiya called on all political actors to ensure that the forthcoming election is free, fair, and conducted with credibility and integrity.
He appealed to all individuals, groups, or organizations claiming to represent the Christian body to desist from such actions to preserve integrity. He urged everyone to remain law-abiding and steadfast in prayer for a credible election and for the emergence of a leader aligned with God’s will. God’s heart will be elected.
