The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has warned political parties and candidates against exploiting religion, ethnicity and regional sentiments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, issued the warning in Abuja on Friday while addressing journalists as part of activities marking the association’s 50th anniversary, themed “Walking Together in Faith: Celebrating 50 Years of CAN’s Journey.”
Okoh urged political actors to make the 2027 elections a contest of ideas and policies capable of improving the lives of Nigerians rather than allowing campaigns to deepen religious and ethnic divisions.
INEC has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
“Political parties and candidates must resist the temptation to weaponise religion, ethnicity and regional sentiments,” Okoh said, warning that Nigerians had experienced enough bloodshed and division during previous election periods.
He also urged political leaders to take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters by discouraging hate speech, incitement, intimidation and violence.
According to him, every Nigerian should be allowed to vote according to their conscience without coercion or manipulation.
“Elections should be a contest of ideas, not a contest of violence; a competition for public service, not a licence for personal destruction,” he said.
Okoh further said CAN would remain non-partisan and engage government based on principles rather than political convenience.
“CAN is neither a government opposition party nor a government praise-singing organisation. We are a Christian institution with a national responsibility,” he stated.
He said the association would support government policies that promote citizens’ welfare while speaking out whenever citizens’ rights were threatened or government failed to protect them.
On insecurity, the CAN president called for stronger measures to protect lives and property, urging security agencies to prevent attacks and improve cooperation with communities and civil society organisations.
He also called for stronger early-warning mechanisms, stressing that “early warning must lead to early response.”
On the economy, Okoh expressed concern over rising living costs, unemployment and the challenges facing families and small businesses. He urged the government to promote productive economic activities, create jobs, support small and medium-sized enterprises and protect vulnerable Nigerians.
The CAN president also called for greater inclusion of young people and women in leadership, stressing that youths should not be regarded merely as electoral crowds but as stakeholders in Nigeria’s future.
He reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different faiths and pledged continued engagement through the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).
The association, established in 1976, is marking 50 years of Christian unity and engagement with national affairs through a series of activities, including a road walk, crusade, football competition, ecumenical workshop, women and youth assembly, colloquium, music cantata and anniversary thanksgiving.
