Independence: CAN Demands Economic Relief, Warns Politicians Against Using Christianity

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has demanded economic relief for Nigerians and warned political actors against using Christianity and the name of Jesus Christ for partisan purposes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

CAN made the demands in its Independence Day message signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary yesterday.

The Christian body said the federal government must ensure that its economic policies translate into visible improvements in the lives of Nigerians, particularly through lower food, transportation and energy costs.

CAN said the transition from economic reforms to prosperity would only be meaningful when ordinary Nigerians begin to feel relief from the pressures of rising living costs.

“The true test of progress is not in statistics alone. It is whether families can afford food, young people can find decent work, communities can live in safety and every child has a fair opportunity to build a future,” CAN stated.

It urged the government to make lower food, transport and energy costs measurable priorities, stressing that Nigerians who had endured years of economic pressure deserved meaningful relief.

The association also called for stronger social protection for vulnerable families, alongside improved access to education, healthcare and affordable credit.

According to CAN, government support programmes must be transparently administered and protected from diversion.

“Prosperity that does not reach the ordinary Nigerian home remains incomplete,” it stated.

On security, the association said economic prosperity could not be sustained in an environment where citizens were afraid to farm, trade, travel or sleep peacefully.

It, therefore, urged the government to intensify efforts to protect lives, secure communities and restore confidence across the country.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, CAN warned political actors against exploiting Christianity and the name of Jesus Christ for partisan purposes.

The association said Christians had the freedom to support or criticise any candidate but insisted that the Christian faith should not be turned into a political weapon.

“No politician is the Messiah,” CAN declared.

CAN reaffirmed its commitment to remain a non-partisan moral voice, saying it would continue to commend what is right, speak when citizens are hurting and hold leaders to the values of justice, accountability and compassion.

The association also congratulated Nigerians on the Independence anniversary and called for a country where the benefits of prosperity are reflected in the daily lives of citizens.