CAN cautions politicians against blasphemy for partisan interests

The Christian Social Movement of Nigeria (CSMN) has urged Nigerian voters to reject the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the 2027 general elections, saying the arrangement deepens religious imbalance, suspicion and anxiety in the country.

The group also warned that the 2027 elections could become a coronation of a predetermined candidate if Christians and other Nigerians fail to unite and participate actively in the political process.

CSMN made the position known in resolutions issued after its 2026 Annual General Assembly, held virtually with the theme “Towards 2027: Election or Coronation?”

The assembly featured presentations by the President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr Bitrus Pogu, and the General Secretary of the Western Region of Nigeria Movement, Dr Akin Fapohunda.

The meeting was also addressed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of CSMN, Dr Samuel Danjuma Gani, and the Chairman of its Governing Council, Elder Sunday Oibe.

In its resolutions signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/Executive Secretary of CSMN, Bosun Emmanuel, the organisation said the retention of the Muslim-Muslim ticket by President Bola Tinubu’s administration in a multi-religious country was condemnable, arguing that it heightened concerns over religious representation.

SMN said the ticket could send a wrong signal to the international community that Nigeria was a Muslim country, which it said was not the case.

“Therefore, the Assembly urged all Christians to resist this signal at the polls by mobilising to support a religiously balanced presidential ticket,” the statement said.

The group called on all Christian organisations and leaders to work together with the CSMN to develop what it described as a “Christian political consensus project” ahead of the 2027 elections. It also urged Christians to collaborate with ethnic nationalities in demanding a return to the 1963 Republican Constitution or the development of a new people-oriented Constitution.

MEANWHILE, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has cautioned politicians and their supporters against invoking the name of Jesus Christ to advance partisan interests ahead of the 2027 general elections.

​The President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, gave the warning in a statement yesterday in Abuja. Okoh expressed concern over recent political commentary referencing Christ, specifically pointing to remarks made by Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, regarding Peter Obi and the upcoming elections.

​While acknowledging the passionate nature of political discourse, the CAN President emphasised that the name of Jesus Christ is sacred and must not be dragged into political rivalry.