2027: Oyo CAN warns against unauthorised endorsements
By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has warned persons, groups and bodies against using its name to endorse candidates and political parties in Oyo State.
The Oyo chapter of CAN gave the warning as activities and campaigns gear up for the 2027 general election.
CAN, in a statement issued by the Oyo Chairman of the association, Rev. Elisha Ogundiya, in Ibadan on Monday said the warning followed reports that some persons, groups and bodies claiming to be acting in the name of the Christian body were endorsing candidates.
He noted that the groups and persons were endorsing candidates and political parties in preparation for the forthcoming elections across various constituencies, senatorial districts and the state.
He said the executive got reports of such endorsements particularly at its zonal arm from Oke-Ogun and skirmishes from other parts under 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 as a body at various levels however, would 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 a body was not partisan and does not have any affiliation to any political party or political interest group.
He noted that CAN recognised that its members cut across all political parties and interest groups.
According to him, CAN is the only body that can convene, through her various organs and levels and in line with her objectives, any stakeholders’ forum or meeting.
Ogundiya added that the authority of the executive council of CAN was to be recognised or considered 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 actively participate in the electioneering process by registering as voters, collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), voting and ensuring that their votes count.
He added that all Christians have the freedom to join and associate with any political party of their choice.
Ogundiya called on all political actors and players to ensure that the forthcoming election was free and fair, and geared towards credibility and integrity.
He appealed to all persons, groups or bodies claiming to act for the Christian body to refrain from such for the sake of the integrity of the body of Christ.
He urged all to be law-abiding and steadfast in prayer for a credible election and that a leader after God’s heart will be elected.(NAN)