The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has distanced itself from Archbishop Chivir Chianson, declaring that he is not its General Secretary and has no authority to represent the association in political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The association also cautioned individuals and groups against using its name or institutional identity to promote political candidates or mobilise support for political parties without its authorisation.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, disclosed this in a statement, stressing that neither Chianson nor the group associated with him had any official affiliation or institutional relationship with the Christian body.

Okoh maintained that Chianson had no mandate to make statements, undertake activities or communicate political positions on behalf of the association.

He further warned that CAN would not permit unauthorised individuals or organisations to exploit its identity in pursuit of political or personal interests.

Reaffirming the association’s position ahead of the 2027 polls, the CAN president said the organisation would maintain political neutrality and would not endorse any candidate or mobilise support for a political party.

According to him, the association would continue to address national issues objectively and hold political officeholders accountable, regardless of their party affiliations.

CAN also called on Christians, members of the public and media organisations to disregard claims of official representation by Chianson and his group.

The association specifically urged media practitioners to verify the credentials and institutional affiliations of individuals presented as its representatives before publishing statements attributed to CAN.

It added that appropriate measures would be taken to safeguard its name, identity and institutional integrity against unauthorised representation and misrepresentation.