Kwara South youths urge CAN leadership to steer clear of partisan politics

The Kwara South Youth Congress (KSYC) has cautioned the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kwara State against alleged plans by some members to involve the Christian body in partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by its coordinator, Dr. Oluwatobi Afolayan, the group alleged that some members of CAN, including its Youth Wing (YOWICAN), Women Wing (WOWICAN) and affiliated bodies, were planning to endorse the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Kwara South, Lekan Adewoye.

The group described the alleged plan as unethical, unconstitutional and capable of undermining unity within the church in the state.

According to the statement, “We have it on good authority that some partisan elements, who have infiltrated the CAN structure in Kwara South are planning to openly endorse the APC senatorial candidate in the coming days under the guise of CAN Youth Wing and Women Wing.

“We want to state clearly that this action, if it happens, is totally against the ethics and constitution, especially article 1 and 2 and founding principles of the Christian Association of Nigeria. CAN is a spiritual body, not a political party. It is a body for all Christians irrespective of party affiliation—APC, PDP, LP, SDP and others.”

The KSYC urged the state CAN leadership to intervene, warning that partisan endorsements could undermine public trust in the association and damage its reputation.

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“The Kwara South Youth Congress called the attention of the State CAN Chairman and the State Executive Council to this dangerous move, urging them to call the perpetrators to order before it is too late”.

The group noted that Kwara South was politically diverse, with Christians belonging to different political parties. It warned that any impression that CAN had adopted the APC candidate could fuel division, suspicion and conflict within the church.

It also accused YOWICAN of using its platform to support APC candidates, alleging that the youth wing’s president, Evangelist Stephen Awoyale, was an APC candidate for the Isin House of Assembly seat in the 2027 general elections.

The congress described the situation as a conflict of interest and an abuse of office, arguing that endorsing an APC candidate under such circumstances would contradict CAN’s stated non-partisan and impartial position.

“CAN should be a father to all, not a campaign office for one candidate. How can you claim to represent all Christians when you openly endorse one candidate in an election where many Christians are also contesting under from other parties. Is the APC candidate the only Christian in the race? This is injustice”, it said.

The group added, “We are youths, we have Christian among us, but we are also politically conscious. We will not allow any group of politicians wearing cassock to mortgage our future for a pot of porridge. Kwara South youths are watching.

“We therefore call on the State CAN Chairman, the Youth Wing Chairman and the Women Wing leader to immediately disown and stop any plan to endorse any senatorial candidate. Let CAN remain neutral. Let every Christian vote according to his conscience.”

The KSYC reaffirmed its commitment to peace, religious harmony and issue-based campaigns, urging religious organisations in Kwara State to remain neutral and ensure a level playing field for all candidates.