The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State chapter, has declared that it will not endorse any political candidate or affiliate with any political party ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The association also warned individuals and groups using its name to solicit support for political candidates to desist, stressing that it remained a non-partisan religious body.
The state chairman of CAN, Rev. Dr Elisha Ogundiya, disclosed this in a directive issued by the association’s executive following reports of political endorsements by some individuals and groups, particularly within its Oke-Ogun zonal arm and other parts of the state.
Ogundiya said although CAN encouraged Christians to participate actively in the electoral process, the association, as an umbrella body, would maintain its neutrality.
He explained that Christians under the association belonged to different political parties and interest groups, noting that CAN’s responsibility was to protect and defend the rights and welfare of Christians and Christianity.
The chairman further clarified that only CAN, through its recognised organs and established procedures, had the authority to convene Christian stakeholders’ meetings on behalf of the association.
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He warned that any gathering of Christian stakeholders organised without the prior approval of the state chairman and executive council should not be regarded as representing the Christian body in Oyo State.
While reaffirming the right of Christians to belong to political parties of their choice and participate in elections, Ogundiya urged them to register as voters, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), cast their ballots and ensure their votes counted.
The association also called on political actors to ensure that the forthcoming elections were free, fair and credible, emphasising the need to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
It further dissociated itself from unauthorised political gatherings and warned that it would not hesitate to discipline members whose actions could bring the association into disrepute.
CAN urged Christians and other stakeholders to remain law-abiding and steadfast in prayer for peaceful and credible elections and the emergence of a leader after God’s heart.
