The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has disowned Archbishop Chivir Chianson over his alleged claim to the position of its general secretary, insisting that he has no authority to speak or act on behalf of the association.

The Christian body also distanced itself from a group allegedly using its name to mobilise support for a political candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections, reaffirming its commitment to political neutrality.

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CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, warning that neither Chianson nor the group he represents had any official affiliation or institutional relationship with the association.

Okoh said CAN had not authorised, endorsed or mandated the cleric or his group to organise political mobilisation in its name.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Archbishop Chivir Chianson is not the General Secretary of CAN and has no authority or mandate to speak or act on its behalf,” the statement said.

The association stressed that any political position, endorsement or activity attributed to Chianson and his group should not be mistaken for its official position.

The clarification follows public comments by Chianson concerning the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid by the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), where he serves as secretary-general.

The conference’s President-General, Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, announced the endorsement at its 2026 synod in September.

Chianson was also reported to have predicted during a national television appearance that Tinubu would win re-election, saying, “God told us President Tinubu will win. He’s not only going to win, he will perform better.”

However, PUNCH Online said it could not independently confirm the reported statement.

CAN warned against attempts by individuals and groups without official connections to appropriate its identity for political or personal interests.

The association said that, as the umbrella body representing Christians across Nigeria, it had a responsibility to protect the interests of the Christian community and contribute to national development.

Reaffirming its position ahead of the 2027 elections, CAN said it would continue to engage national issues objectively and hold political leaders accountable, irrespective of their party affiliations, without endorsing any political party or candidate.

It urged Christians, members of the public and media organisations to disregard claims that Chianson and his group officially represent the association.

CAN also specifically called on TVC News and other media organisations to verify the credentials and institutional affiliations of individuals presented as its representatives.

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The association added that it would take appropriate steps to protect its name, identity and institutional integrity against unauthorised representation and misrepresentation.