CAN warns politicians against exploiting religion and ethnicity before 2027

The Christian Association of Nigeria has warned political parties and politicians against using religion, ethnicity and regional identity to mobilise support ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. CAN President Daniel Okoh delivered the warning in Abuja on Friday at a press conference marking the association’s 50th anniversary. He said political actors should place the national interest above personal ambition and make campaigns a contest of ideas.

Okoh said Nigeria had experienced enough bloodshed and division during elections. He urged parties and candidates to discourage incitement, hate speech, violence and intimidation among their supporters, adding that voters should be able to make choices without coercion. He said CAN would continue supporting credible democratic processes, civic education, peaceful elections and electoral integrity.

The association’s anniversary theme was “CAN at 50: Walking Together in Faith”. On insecurity, Okoh said Nigerians had suffered terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence for more than a decade. He called on government to protect life and property, arguing that early warnings should lead to early action rather than waiting until people had been killed.

Okoh acknowledged efforts by President Bola Tinubu to reduce insecurity but said more needed to be done. He also said CAN would defend Christians’ rights without promoting hostility towards Muslims or opposing government solely for political reasons. He urged the media not to reduce every conflict to a Christian-versus-Muslim narrative, saying some disputes involved ethnicity, land, political power and criminality.

CAN, he said, was neither an opposition party nor a body that simply praised government. The association’s president also highlighted rising living costs, unemployment, medical bills, school fees and housing difficulties. He said economic policy should ultimately be judged by its effect on families.

Okoh said CAN was formed in 1976 after church leaders were convened in Lagos to discuss endorsement of the National Pledge and Flag Salutation in schools. Anniversary activities include a road walk and a crusade.