2023 election: CAN speaks on alleged N2bn from Peter Obi

The national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), has responded to a letter that is now making the rounds on social media and claims that Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, gave N2 billion to churches that fall under CAN’s purview.

The response from CAN is outlined in a statement that was released to media on Sunday and is signed by its president, Archbishop Daniel C. Okoh.

The so-called letter of petition purportedly signed by Pastor Frank Onwumere and delivered to the CAN President’s office is illogical, according to the CAN President, and is best characterized as an unsuccessful attempt to involve the leading Christian organization in politics in 2023.

According to the statement, CAN will investigate into the letter’s author in the public’s interest.

In order to clear up any confusion, CAN stated that it was unaware of any N2 billion donated to churches in Nigeria to encourage support for any presidential candidate in 2023 and that it had never received the aforementioned petition dated December 22, 2022.

“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,” the statement spelt out.

The apex Christian body, therefore, called on Nigerians to disregard the purported letter of petition as its contents are 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,” it said.