The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has distanced itself from Archbishop Chivir Chianson following his prediction that President Bola Tinubu would win re-election in 2027.
CAN said Chianson is not its General Secretary and has no authority to speak or act on its behalf.
The association’s president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the clarification in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
He said the statement became necessary after Chianson and his group allegedly linked CAN to political mobilisation in support of a candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Archbishop Chianson is not the General Secretary of CAN and has no authority or mandate to speak or act on its behalf,” Okoh stated.
He also clarified that the group represented by Chianson has no official affiliation or institutional relationship with CAN.
CAN Rejects Political Endorsement
The association said it had neither authorised nor endorsed Chianson or his group to organise political activities in its name.
Okoh warned that individuals and organisations must not use CAN’s identity to advance political or personal interests without approval.
He stressed that any endorsement or political position attributed to the cleric and his group should not be mistaken for CAN’s official position.
Reaffirming the association’s neutrality ahead of the elections, Okoh said CAN would continue to engage national issues and hold political leaders accountable, regardless of their party affiliations.
“CAN will continue to engage national issues objectively and hold political leaders accountable, irrespective of party affiliation, without endorsing or mobilising support for any political party or candidate,” he said.
The association also urged Christians, members of the public and media organisations to disregard claims that Chianson or his group officially represent CAN.
It further advised journalists to verify the credentials and affiliations of individuals presented as its representatives.
Archbishop Predicted Tinubu’s Re-election
Chianson, who serves as Secretary-General of the Charismatic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), recently expressed support for Tinubu’s second-term bid.
During a television interview, he reportedly said the prediction came through a prophetic message.
“What we said about President Tinubu was a prophetic message. God told us President Tinubu will win. He’s not only going to win, he will perform better,” Chianson said.
He maintained that his group would continue to speak honestly about developments in the country despite supporting the President.
The archbishop and members of his group have also reportedly organised prayers for the success of Tinubu’s administration.
However, CAN stressed that the group’s activities and political positions do not represent the association.
The clarification comes as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
