The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State chapter, has distanced itself from political endorsements by individuals and groups claiming to represent the association ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The association said it would not endorse any political candidate, affiliate with any political party or support any interest group, warning those using its name to canvass support for candidates to stop.
The state chairman of CAN, Rev. Dr Elisha Ogundiya, issued the directive in a statement by the association’s executive following reports of political endorsements by some individuals and groups, particularly within its zonal arm in Oke-Ogun and other parts of the state.
Ogundiya said CAN encouraged Christians to participate actively in the electoral process but remained a non-partisan organisation.
He explained that Christians under the association belonged to different political parties and interest groups, adding that CAN’s responsibility was to protect and defend the rights and welfare of Christians and Christianity.
The chairman stressed that only the association, through its recognised organs and established procedures, could convene Christian stakeholders’ meetings on its behalf.
He warned that any meeting organised without the prior approval of the state chairman and the executive council should not be recognised as representing CAN in Oyo State.
Ogundiya also affirmed the right of Christians to join political parties of their choice and participate fully in the electoral process.
He urged Christians to register as voters, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), cast their ballots and ensure their votes counted.
The association called on political actors to ensure that the 2027 elections were free, fair and credible, stressing the need to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
It also warned that it would discipline members who attempted to bring the association into disrepute through unauthorised political activities.
CAN urged Christians and other stakeholders to remain law-abiding and pray for credible elections and the emergence of a leader after God’s heart.
The association said it would not endorse any political candidate, affiliate with any political party or support any interest group, warning those using its name to canvass support for candidates to stop.
The state chairman of CAN, Rev. Dr Elisha Ogundiya, issued the directive in a statement by the association’s executive following reports of political endorsements by some individuals and groups, particularly within its zonal arm in Oke-Ogun and other parts of the state.
Ogundiya said CAN encouraged Christians to participate actively in the electoral process but remained a non-partisan organisation.
He explained that Christians under the association belonged to different political parties and interest groups, adding that CAN’s responsibility was to protect and defend the rights and welfare of Christians and Christianity.
The chairman stressed that only the association, through its recognised organs and established procedures, could convene Christian stakeholders’ meetings on its behalf.
He warned that any meeting organised without the prior approval of the state chairman and the executive council should not be recognised as representing CAN in Oyo State.
Ogundiya also affirmed the right of Christians to join political parties of their choice and participate fully in the electoral process.
He urged Christians to register as voters, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), cast their ballots and ensure their votes counted.
The association called on political actors to ensure that the 2027 elections were free, fair and credible, stressing the need to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
It also warned that it would discipline members who attempted to bring the association into disrepute through unauthorised political activities.
CAN urged Christians and other stakeholders to remain law-abiding and pray for credible elections and the emergence of a leader after God’s heart.