{
  "id": 11581453,
  "title": "Don’t Weaponise Religion, Ethnicity, CAN Warns Political Parties Ahead 2027 ElectionsKuni Tyessi in Abuja",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/dont-weaponise-religion-ethnicity-can-warns-political-parties-ahead",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-03T01:51:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/10/03/dont-weaponise-religion-ethnicity-can-warns-political-parties-ahead-2027-electionskuni-tyessi-in-abuja/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has cautioned political parties and candidates against using religion, ethnicity and regional sentiments in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. Speaking at CAN's 50th anniversary event in Abuja, Okoh urged leaders to refrain from weaponizing religious and ethnic divisions, emphasizing that elections should be based on ideas and policies rather than violence and hate speech. He warned that the 2027 polls should focus on the contest for public service, not personal destruction. CAN President Okoh also called for an end to conflating every crisis in Nigeria with a Christian versus Muslim conflict, noting that conflicts involve multiple dimensions such as ethnicity, land disputes, political power, criminality and resource competition. He reaffirmed CAN's commitment to speaking up for Christians when they face attacks or discrimination, but clarified that defending Christians does not mean hostility towards other religious communities. Okoh stressed that no Nigerian should be treated as a second-class citizen based on their faith, ethnicity, state of origin or political affiliation, and called for the protection of constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and equal citizenship. On security, he reiterated CAN's call for strengthening Nigeria's security infrastructure, highlighting insecurity as a major challenge in the country. Okoh urged a closer collaboration between the government, communities and civil society to tackle issues like terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and farmer-herder conflicts. He acknowledged the efforts of the Tinubu administration in addressing insecurity but called for further improvements in the performance of security agencies. Okoh expressed concern over the rising cost of living, unemployment, and hardships faced by small businesses, urging policies that stimulate productive activity, create jobs, and protect vulnerable Nigerians. Reflecting on CAN's 50-year journey, he emphasized the association's national responsibility and pledged to deepen Christian unity, strengthen interfaith engagement, expand humanitarian work, and create more space for youth and women in leadership. The 50th anniversary events included a road walk, anniversary crusade, football competition, national ecumenical workshop, Bible quiz, community project, women and youth assembly, jubilee colloquium, music cantata, and awards and book launch.",
  "summary": "President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has warned political parties and candidates against exploiting religion, ethnicity and regional sentiments ahead of the 2027 general elections.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}