2023: CAN refutes collecting bribe to endorse PDP Guber candidate in Borno

By Abdulkareem Haruna

The Christian Association of Nigerian, CAN, has dispelled a rumor making the rounds in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, which alleged that it has collected bribes to endorse an opposition governorship candidate. 

CAN made this denial on Monday at a press briefing hosted by its State Chairman, Reverend John-Bogna Bakeni. 

Rev. Bakeni, who is also the Auxiliary Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, said the Christians body was compelled by the enormity of the rumor  “that CAN Borno state Chapter has adopted the political candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Borno state.” 

CAN said its status as a religious body does not allow it to endorse or participate in party politics. 

“Let me say it categorically that CAN is not a political party, and will never be,” the Biahop said. 

“The state CAN has not endorsed any candidate in its interactions with with candidates who sought audience with her, and will not do so.

The CAN chairman acknowledged that there has been rumors in town that some persons masquerading as Christian leaders in Borno have allegedly collected unspecified huge amount of money from politicians with a promise to deliver cbriatains votes to the party during the March 18 polls. The state chairman said those involved did not represent CAN. 

“CAN has not received any money from any politician as a form of voter influence. All CAN Borno state has done from the Presidential election to date is to encourage Christians to participate in the political process by voting for their choice candidates.” 

The CAN chairman thereby “called on those propagating and peddling this rumor to stop it because it is a campaign of calumny and blackmail against CAN.” 

The Christain body therefore called on politicians and the government to be aware of some fraudulent people masquerading as pastors and Christian religious leaders or groups who go about operating under the guise and pretext of CAN. 

“Make sure you verify and deal with the authentic body of CAN – and it should be noted that CAN only has the Youth Wing and Women Wing; which means any other Chriatian group or association are acting on their own, he said. 

The Chriatain body however said it was aware that some Christias in the state have collected from various polutical, and it would not spare anyone that would be caught smeaaring the name of CAN