2027: Adamawa CAN Disowns Purported Endorsement of APC Candidate, Galadima

​The Adamawa State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has firmly denied reports linking the body to a purported endorsement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Galadima, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

​The religious body distanced itself from the announcement, reiterating that its constitutional framework strictly forbids unauthorized political alignments.

​‘God’s Chosen Candidate’ Claim Rejected

​The controversy erupted following a public declaration by a group of women who introduced themselves as Christian leaders representing the state. During a recent visit, the delegation openly endorsed Galadima, proclaiming him as “God’s chosen candidate” for the upcoming gubernatorial race.

​Reacting via an official statement on Saturday, the Adamawa CAN Chairman, Mr. Joel Manzo, made it clear that the association’s leadership was completely unaware of the meeting.

​“The leadership of CAN Adamawa State Chapter wishes to state clearly and unequivocally that neither the association nor any of its recognized organs authorized such a representation or pronouncement,” Manzo stated.

​Constitutional Violations and Warning

​Manzo emphasized that the actions of the group flagrantly violated the internal regulations of the apex Christian body. He specifically referenced Article 7, Sub-Article 3, Paragraph 6 of the 2022 Bye-Laws of the Christian Association of Nigeria (Adamawa State Chapter), which bars any individual or group from issuing political declarations on behalf of CAN without official approval.

​The chairman warned that such unauthorized endorsements carry severe consequences for religious cohesion in the state.

• ​Risk of Division: Such proclamations create unnecessary misunderstandings and sow seeds of discord among believers.
• ​Undermining Unity: Unsanctioned political alignments fracture the core mission of the Church, which relies on a unified front.

​Demand for Public Retraction

​CAN has directed the individuals and organizations involved in the controversial visit to issue an immediate public retraction. The state leadership insisted that the disclaimer must be broadcasted through the exact media channels used for the initial endorsement, clarifying that the stance was strictly personal and did not reflect the position of CAN across the 21 local government areas of Adamawa State.

​Striking a Neutral Ground

​While asserting that the association holds no animosity toward Galadima or any other political aspirant, Manzo reaffirmed that CAN’s official stance remains strictly non-partisan.

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​He acknowledged that while members have the democratic right to join political parties and support any choice candidate, the corporate identity of the institution must never be weaponized for partisan interests. He closed by appealing to church members, youths, and the general public to remain calm, avoid inflammatory remarks online, and maintain peace as the 2027 political landscape takes shape.

​To learn more about the broader context of the political landscape in the state, you can watch this coverage detailing the Adamawa APC Primary Outcome, which explains how the party selected its candidate for the upcoming election.