CAN Celebrates 50 Years, Urges Politicians to Avoid Divisive Tactics

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged political parties and politicians to stop using religion, ethnicity, and regional sentiments for their advantage as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

CAN President, Daniel Okoh, who is also an archbishop, gave this warning on Friday in Abuja. He spoke at a press conference to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the association. The theme of the event was "CAN at 50: Walking Together in Faith."

Founded in 1976, CAN is now marking this significant milestone. Mr Okoh stated that as the elections near, all political players should prioritize Nigeria over personal political goals.

"We expect political campaigns to focus on issues and real ideas to improve the lives of Nigerians," he said. "Political parties and candidates must avoid the temptation to weaponise religion, ethnicity, and regional sentiments. Nigerians have seen enough bloodshed and division during elections."

He added, "We do not want another generation of Nigerian youths sacrificed on the altar of political ambition."

Mr Okoh emphasized that political leaders should take responsibility for how their supporters behave. They must discourage incitement, hate speech, violence, and intimidation. Every Nigerian should vote freely, without fear or manipulation.

"Elections should be about ideas, not violence. It should be a contest for public service, not personal destruction," he stated.

He assured that CAN will keep supporting fair democratic processes, civic education, peaceful elections, and electoral integrity. Reflecting on CAN's journey over the past 50 years, he noted that the anniversary represents not just a celebration but a testament to who the association is and where it is headed.

"For 50 years, Christians from different traditions and backgrounds have chosen to walk together under CAN," he said. "We have had our disagreements and faced challenges. There were times when our individual church interests seemed to clash with our collective goals. Yet, we have always stayed united."

Mr Okoh pointed out that unity does not mean everyone thinks the same way. It means recognizing that some issues are more important than our church differences. He explained that CAN was formed because church leaders understood the need to rise above these differences.

On August 27, 1976, church leaders met with the then Head of State, Olusegun Obasanjo, at the request of Chief of General Staff Shehu Yar’Adua. This meeting aimed to get approval for the National Pledge and Flag Salutation in schools, leading to the creation of CAN at the Catholic Secretariat in Lagos.

He paid tribute to the founding fathers and past leaders of the association, saying their hard work was not in vain. Addressing the issue of insecurity, Mr Okoh noted that Nigerians have faced terrorism, banditry, and violence for over a decade, with attacks on places of worship and communities.

"CAN again calls on the government to remember that protecting life and property is its primary responsibility. Citizens should never have to negotiate with terrorists or bandits just to stay alive," he said. "We need early warnings to lead to early actions. We cannot keep waiting until people are hurt before we act."

He acknowledged President Bola Tinubu's efforts to tackle insecurity but insisted that more action is needed. On claims of persecution against Christians, Mr Okoh said CAN will continue to defend their rights and welfare.

"Defending Christians does not mean we fight the government or hate Muslims," he clarified. "When a Christian is attacked for their faith, we will speak out. If a Muslim is attacked, we should also speak out. When any Nigerian is killed by criminals, we must all raise our voices."

He urged the media to avoid simplifying conflicts as just Christian versus Muslim issues, noting that many conflicts are about ethnicity, land, political power, and crime. Regarding the relationship between CAN and the government, Mr Okoh said the association is neither an opposition party nor a cheerleader.

"We will support government policies that benefit Nigerians. We will acknowledge progress but also speak up when citizens are not protected or when injustice occurs," he said.

He expressed concern over the economic hardships facing families, saying the rising cost of living is tough on many. "People come to our churches not just with spiritual needs but with hunger, unemployment, and other difficulties. Every economic policy should be judged by how it affects the people. Economic reforms cannot be separate from the daily lives of ordinary families," he added.

Mr Okoh listed achievements during his leadership, including building partnerships for vulnerable communities, observing elections, and creating the Airport Chapel and Pilgrims Centre at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

He announced plans for CAN's 50th anniversary celebrations, which include a road walk on Saturday, a crusade on Sunday with Paul Enenche, and a football competition from October 7 to 9. Other events include an ecumenical workshop on October 10, a Bible quiz and charity visit on October 13, a women's and youth assembly on October 14, a jubilee colloquium on October 15, a music cantata on October 16, and an awards ceremony on October 17, concluding with a thanksgiving service on October 18.