CAN Reacts As APC Forms Presidential Campaign Council With Eight Officials

Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the inclusion of eight of its officials on the All Progressives Congress’s Presidential Campaign Council (APC).
Track News previously reported that the eight CAN members are opposed to the ruling APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, and their inclusion on the party’s campaign council has sparked outrage.

Apostle Biodun Sanyaolu, Assistant General Secretary of CAN, was appointed as Assistant Coordinator; Lagos State CAN Chairman, Stephen Adegbite (member); Director of Legal and Public Affairs, Comfort Chigbue (member); and Testimony Onifade, former Personal Assistant to the immediate past CAN President, Samson Ayokunle.

Others include Victor Ivoke, Personal Assistant to Rev. Daniel Okoh, current President of CAN (member); Kwamkur Samuel, CAN’s former Director of Legal and Public Affairs (member); and Prof. Para-Mallam (member).

CAN President Rev. Daniel Okoh, however, distanced himself from the APC Presidential Campaign Council list in a statement issued Thursday night.

The inclusion of the officials in the ruling party’s campaign council, according to Okoh, is concerning because it contradicts the CAN’s well-known stance on partisanship.

He also criticized his officials for being named to the council despite their opposition to the party’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.

As a result, Okoh stated that he has launched an investigation into how the officials became involved in overt partisanship.

“As President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, my attention has been drawn to the revised list of members of the Tinubu/Shettima 2023 President Campaign Council, which includes the names of some outgoing officials of the body,” he said.

“Such a development is concerning because it contradicts CAN’s well-known stance on partisanship.” I expressly disclaim any responsibility for this development or any that may occur in the future.

“I want to use this medium to assure all Christians in Nigeria and the general public that I have launched a thorough investigation into how the officials became involved in overt partisanship since receiving the news.”

“At the conclusion of the investigation, CAN will take fair, but decisive, and appropriate action to defend the ideals of the umbrella Christian body I lead by the grace of Almighty God.”

“Finally, I urge the general public to remain calm as we work together to establish a culture of inclusion and respect for our religious diversity in our political leadership.”