The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has disowned Archbishop Chivir Chianson, insisting that he is not the association’s General Secretary and has no authority to speak or act on its behalf.
The association also distanced itself from a group represented by the cleric over attempts to associate CAN with a political mobilisation exercise in support of a candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the clarification in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
Okoh said the association had neither authorised nor endorsed Chianson or his group to organise, promote or undertake any political activity in its name.
“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,” the statement read.
He further stated that the group represented by Chianson had no official affiliation, working relationship or institutional connection with CAN.
The clarification followed public comments surrounding the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid by the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), of which Chianson is the Secretary-General.
The cleric had reportedly said that God revealed to him and members of his group that Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election and perform better if re-elected.
However, CAN stressed that any political endorsement or mobilisation attributed to Chianson and his group should not be mistaken for the official position of the association.
Reaffirming its commitment to political neutrality, Okoh said CAN would continue to engage national issues objectively and hold political leaders accountable, irrespective of their party affiliations, without endorsing or mobilising support for any political party or candidate.
The association urged Christians, members of the public and media organisations to disregard claims that Chianson or his group officially represented CAN.
It specifically called on TVC News and other media organisations to verify the credentials and institutional affiliations of individuals presented as representatives of the association.
CAN added that it would take appropriate steps to protect its name, identity and institutional integrity against unauthorised representation and misrepresentation.