Lagos, Feb. 12, 2023 – The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has denied media reports that Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour party gave N2 billion to churches to mobilise their member to vote for him.
A statement issued on Sunday by the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the letter as illogical and a failed attempt to drag the Christian body into the politics.
Okoh said CAN maintained its non-partisan stance and would not endorse or mobilise support for any candidate in the upcoming elections.
The statement read in part: “The attention of the national leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been drawn to a purported letter currently in circulation on social media, alleging that a certain sum of N2bn was given by the presidential candidate of Labour party, Mr Peter Obi to Churches under the umbrella of CAN.
“I use this medium to categorically state that the so-called letter of petition reportedly signed by one Pastor Frank Onwumere and addressed to my office is illogical and can best be described as a failed attempt to drag the apex Christian body into the politics of 2023
“Nigerians should note that CAN, as a faith-based entity, maintains its non-partisan stance and will not endorse or mobilise support for any candidate in the upcoming elections as against the social media post being circulated by some elements bent on soiling its name and image
“CAN, therefore, urges members of the public to disregard the purported letter of petition as its content is not only untrue, but malicious.
“We warn those peddling the falsehood to desist from such acts because they are capable of defaming innocent people and revered religious institutions as well as breaching public peace,” the statement said. (GBN)
