CAN denies receiving N2bn from Obi, says allegation a failed attempt to drag it into politics

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared that it is not aware of any N2 billion given to churches by the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi.

A petition making the rounds on social media had claimed that Obi gave N2 billion to churches through CAN to help mobilise their congregation to vote for him.

However, CAN President, Daniel Okoh, in a statement on Sunday, denied the claim, explaining that the association is non-partisan and will not endorse or mobilise support for any candidate.

“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 N2billion 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.

“However, we will investigate the source of the letter in the interest of the public.

“To set the records straight, I am not aware of any N2billion given to Churches in Nigeria to mobilise votes for any 2023 presidential candidate and never received the said 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

“CAN, therefore, urges members of the public to disregard the purported letter of petition as its content 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”, the CAN statement advised.