The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has reiterated it will not endorse any politician in the forthcoming general elections as it remained a non-partisan group.
President of the Association Daniel Okoh, gave the reminder on Sunday while debunking claims by a purported Christian group that it fleeced N2billion given by the presidential candidate of the Labour Party Peter Obi, which was meant to mobilise voters across various churches.
The allegation was contained in a petition issued by the Dominion Centre International on 15th December 2022 and signed by one Pastor Frank Onwumere, which was addressed to the CAN president.
It stated: “We are appalled and disappointed that such humongous amount of money was given to the church by the Labour party to help and assist in mobilizing and convincing their congregation to vote massively for the candidacy of Mr. Peter Obi but to our chagrin, the said sum of money has developed wings and cannot be traced…
“We have it on good authority, that it has been fleeced by mega churches and popular pastors and leaders who already as we write, are receiving the presidential candidate across the length and breadth of Nigeria without due consideration to other churches that have not received their own part of the funds…”
However, refuting the claims on Sunday, CAN warned those behind the petition to desist from acts capable of defaming innocent people, revered religious institutions, and breaching public peace.
“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.
“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 said, adding it will investigate the source of the letter in the interest of the public.
Meanwhile, Onwumere, whose name appeared on the petition has denied authoring or signing the said petition, insisting he had nothing to do with the group.
In a statement on Sunday, the clergy described the petition circulating in the social media connecting him and Dominion Center International as fake.
“My attention has been drawn to a petition with the above subject matter purportedly written by one Pastor Frank Onwumere of Dominion Center International.
“I wish to use this medium to inform the public, my associates, friends and family, that I, Hon. Pastor Frank Alozie Onwumere, did not author the said petition, and did not authorize anybody to do so on my behalf.
“Please be informed that: I am not a member of Dominion Center International and have never had any relationship with the organisation; and the author of the petition is not known to me,” he said.