The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has stated that it is not aware of any N2 billion given to churches by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate (LP).
In a statement issued on Sunday, CAN president Daniel Okoh denied the claim, stating that the organization is non-partisan and will not endorse or mobilize support for any candidate.
“The attention of the National leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been drawn to a purported letter currently in circulation on social media, alleging that a certain sum of N2bn was given by the presidential candidate of Labour party, Mr Peter Obi to Churches under the umbrella of CAN,” the statement reads.
“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 ₦2 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.”
Labour party denies bribing CAN
The Obi-Datti campaign has dismissed a viral “petition” alleging that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, donated N2 billion to churches in Nigeria.
According to the petition, one Frank Onwumere, a senior pastor at the “Dominion Centre International” in Okigwe, Imo state, questioned the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on how the said fund was distributed among churches.
The fund was said to have been gifted “to help and assist in mobilising and convincing their congregation to vote massively for the candidacy of Mr. Peter Obi”.
The campaign team, however, said in a statement issued by its media office on Sunday that the petition was “concocted to tarnish the hard-earned reputation” of the party’s presidential candidate.
While describing the petition as “blackmail stuff,” the party also asked the public to disregard it.
“Our mission in the Obidient Movement this day is to alert and warn discerning minds, especially those desirous to see a new Nigeria emerge through Peter Obi, to ignore and treat as thrash any doctored and faked items on Obi,” the statement reads.
“Anything they are bringing now after their long fruitless search is concocted to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of the candidate and should be disregarded.
“Obi-Datti Media is proud to insist that the LP standard bearer and his running mate remain the best product in the market for the much-needed political leadership in the country at this time, and to state without any fear of contradiction that they stand out untainted and possess the prerequisite qualities needed to rescue this troubled land.
“The public should therefore have their eyes permanently glued to the ball and refuse to be distracted by any antics because all the devious acts will give way to reason and justice and Nigeria will be successfully taken back from them and reset for greatness.”
Frank Onwumere
BizWatch Nigeria reports that Pastor Frank Onwumere was labelled on social media as the person in charge of the rumour. However, Onwumere on Sunday denied any involvement in the romour.
