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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Adamawa CAN denies endorsing APC governorship candidate

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Adamawa State denied endorsing the APC governorship candidate, Tijani Galadima.
  • CAN Chairman Joel Manzo stated that no authorized organ of the association approved the endorsement, distancing the group from a declaration made by a visiting group of women.
  • The association emphasized its commitment to neutrality and preserving church unity, urging those involved to clarify their actions.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Adamawa State has officially refuted claims of endorsing All Progressives Congress governorship candidate Tijani Galadima for the upcoming 2027 elections. The denial comes after a group of women reportedly declared support for Galadima, calling him "God's chosen candidate."

We wish to address the concerns raised by members of the Christian community and the general public regarding a recent visit by a group of women who reportedly introduced themselves as leaders representing Christians in Adamawa State and publicly declared support for a governorship aspirant as ‘God’s chosen candidate.

— Adamawa CAN Chairman, Mr. Joel ManzoIn a statement released by the association, addressing the purported endorsement.

CAN Chairman Joel Manzo clarified in a statement that neither the association nor its recognized bodies authorized such a representation or endorsement. He stressed that while CAN members participate in various political parties and may support candidates individually, any official declaration on behalf of the association requires explicit consent from its leadership. Manzo cited the association's bye-laws, which prohibit individuals from making endorsements without approval.

The leadership of CAN Adamawa State Chapter wishes to state clearly and unequivocally that neither the association nor any of its recognized organs authorized such a representation or pronouncement.

— Adamawa CAN Chairman, Mr. Joel ManzoClarifying the association's stance on the endorsement.

The association expressed serious concern over the development, viewing it as potentially divisive and undermining of Christian unity. CAN called for greater caution and responsibility from those involved, demanding a public clarification that their statements were personal and not representative of the broader Christian community in Adamawa State. The organization reiterated its commitment to neutrality and encouraged responsible participation in the democratic process, aiming to uphold the unity and mission of the Church.

Such actions have the potential to create misunderstanding, sow seeds of division among believers, and undermine the unity for which the Church stands.

— Adamawa CAN Chairman, Mr. Joel ManzoExplaining the potential negative impact of unauthorized endorsements.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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