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Christian Association of Nigeria President Daniel Okoh warns political parties against weaponising religion, ethnicity and regional sentiments ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections.
The Christian Association of Nigeria has warned political parties and politicians against weaponising religion, ethnicity and regional sentiments ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections. CAN President Daniel Okoh, an archbishop, gave the warning on Friday in Abuja at a press conference marking the association's 50th anniversary under the theme CAN at 50: Walking Together in Faith.
Okoh said that as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the association is calling on all political actors to place Nigeria above political ambition.
He said political campaigns should be issue-based and focused on competing ideas about how to improve the lives of Nigerians.
Election Conduct and National Unity
Okoh said political parties and candidates must resist the temptation to weaponise religion, ethnicity and regional sentiments, noting that Nigerians have witnessed enough bloodshed and division during election periods.
He said parties must discourage incitement, hate speech, violence and intimidation, and that every Nigerian must be free to vote according to conscience without coercion, intimidation or manipulation.
Elections, he said, should be a contest of ideas, not a contest of violence, and a competition for public service, not a licence for personal destruction.
Okoh added that CAN will continue to support credible democratic processes, civic education, peaceful elections and electoral integrity.
Fifty Years of CAN and Its Founding
Reflecting on CAN's 50-year journey, Okoh said the anniversary is not merely a description of an anniversary, but a statement of identity, origins and future direction.
For 50 years, he said, Christians from different traditions, denominations, theological backgrounds and cultural contexts have chosen to walk together under the umbrella of the Christian Association of Nigeria.
He acknowledged that the association has not always agreed and has had differences, difficult moments, disagreements and leadership challenges, with denominational interests sometimes appearing to compete with collective interests. Yet through all these seasons, he said, they have remained together.
Okoh said CAN's unity has never meant uniformity, but a recognition that there are issues bigger than denominational differences. The association, he said, was established in 1976 because its forebears understood that there are moments when the Church must rise above denominational boundaries.
He explained that on 27 August 1976, church leaders were summoned by the then Head of State, Olusegun Obasanjo, at the instance of the then Chief of General Staff Supreme Headquarters, Shehu Yar'Adua, to seek their endorsement of the National Pledge and Flag Salutation in schools, a meeting that eventually led to the formation of CAN at the Catholic Secretariat, Race Course, Lagos.
The cleric paid tribute to founding fathers and past presidents of the association, saying their labour was not in vain.
Insecurity and Protection of Citizens
On insecurity, Okoh said that for more than a decade, Nigerians have suffered from terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence, with places of worship attacked and communities displaced.
He repeated CAN's call to government that the primary responsibility of government is to protect life and property, and that citizens should never have to negotiate with terrorists, bandits or kidnappers simply to remain alive.
He said early warning must lead to early response, adding that the country cannot continue to wait until people are killed before action is taken.
Okoh acknowledged efforts of President Bola Tinubu to reduce insecurity but said more needed to be done.
Defending Christians Without Religious Hatred
On alleged persecution of Christians, Okoh said CAN will continue to defend the rights and welfare of Christians, but clarified that defending Christians does not mean fighting government or hating Muslims.
He stated that CAN does not support religious hatred and is not opposed to government simply for the sake of opposition.
Christian Association Of Nigeria Daniel Okoh 2027 Elections Abuja Bola Tinubu Olusegun Obasanjo Shehu Yar'adua
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