The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Oyo State Chapter, has warned persons, groups and bodies against claiming to act in its name to endorse candidates and political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This was contained in a statement issued by the chairman of the association, Rev. Elisha Ogundiya, in Ibadan on Monday.
Ogundiya said the executive of the association had received various reports regarding some persons, groups and bodies claiming to be acting in the name of the Christian body.
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 branches 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 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 was not partisan and does not have any affiliation to any political party or political interest group.
He noted that the body 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.
2027: Oyo CAN warns against unauthorised endorsement of candidates