The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has disowned Archbishop Chivir Chianson, declaring that he is not its General Secretary and has no authority to represent the association or speak on its behalf.

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.

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

“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.

Okoh maintained that CAN had neither authorised nor endorsed Chianson or his group to organise political activities or promote any candidate in the association’s name.

The clarification comes amid controversy surrounding the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027 by the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), where Chianson serves as Secretary-General.

The CBCN, an association of charismatic and Pentecostal Christian leaders, bishops and archbishops, announced its endorsement of Tinubu through its President-General, Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, during its 2026 synod in September.

Chianson also reportedly predicted during a national television programme that Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election, claiming that the outcome had been divinely revealed to him.

“God told us President Tinubu will win. He’s not only going to win, he will perform better,” he reportedly said. However, PUNCH Online stated that it could not independently verify the comment.

Reacting to the development, CAN warned against what it described as 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, regardless of their political affiliations.

It stressed, however, that it would not endorse any political party or candidate.

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

It specifically called on TVC News and other media organisations to exercise due diligence in verifying the credentials and institutional affiliations of individuals presented as representatives of the Christian body.

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