CAN: Peter Obi didn’t give churches N2bn to mobilise votes

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has denied knowledge of N2 billion allegedly given to the churches by the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, on Sunday February 12, 2023 stated that the Christian body did not receive any petition on the alleged N2 billion donation to the churches.

The Christian body also declared that it would not endorse any presidential candidate ahead of the February 25^th presidential election.

There had been circulation on social media of a petition allegedly authored by a pastor who accused the leadership of CAN of lopsidedness in the sharing of N2 billion from Peter Obi to the churches.

But the CAN President stated that there is no truth in the allegation, saying that the church did not receive such money from Obi.

He also denied receiving the petition.

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Okoh said: “The attention of the national leadership of CAN has been drawn to a purported letter currently in circulation on social media, alleging that a certain sum of N2 billion 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 N2 billion 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 Star