Christian Association of Nigeria @ 50: Hon. Princess Gloria Akobundu Extols CAN Leadership, Calls for Prayers and Electoral Support for President Tinubu’s Re-Election

As the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) marks its 50th anniversary, Hon. Princess Gloria Akobundu Phd, fsi, Secretaty APC PCC Faith Bases Mobilisation (Christians) has called on Christians across the country to intensify prayers and mobilise electoral support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

In a statement issued to commemorate the golden jubilee of the apex Christian body, Hon. Akobundu congratulated CAN on five decades of promoting unity, moral leadership, and the defence of Christian values in Nigeria. She noted that the anniversary presents a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to national progress under God-fearing leadership.

She paid glowing tribute to the past leaders of CAN whose vision, courage, and sacrificial service laid the foundation for the Association’s enduring impact on national growth, peace, and stability. She specially recalled:

– His Eminence Dominic Cardinal Ekandem (Founding President, 1976–1986), who, as the first Nigerian Cardinal, provided visionary leadership at the birth of CAN, nurtured Christian unity across denominations, advanced indigenous Church leadership, and contributed significantly to education, missionary outreach, and the institutionalisation of the Association as a force for national cohesion.

– His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie (President, late 1980s–1995), a fearless moral voice during the military era who consistently championed democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and social justice. His prophetic interventions helped sustain the national conscience and defended the dignity of all Nigerians.

– His Eminence Prelate Sunday Mbang (President, 1995–2003), whose commitment to peace and reconciliation was instrumental in the establishment of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC). Working with Muslim leaders, he fostered structured interfaith dialogue that has remained a vital platform for reducing tensions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

– Most Revd Dr. Peter Jasper Akinola (President, 2003–2007), who provided bold leadership in defence of religious freedom and the protection of Christian communities during periods of heightened insecurity and violence, while calling for justice and national stability.

– His Eminence John Cardinal Olorunfemi Onaiyekan (President, 2007–2010/2011), a tireless apostle of interfaith harmony and peacebuilding. His consistent advocacy for dialogue, justice, and national cohesion, later institutionalised through the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace, has inspired generations of peacebuilders across Nigeria and Africa.

– Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor (President, 2010–2016), who courageously highlighted the threats of insurgency and insecurity while stressing that genuine inter-religious harmony is indispensable for national progress and stability.

– Rev. Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle (President, 2016–2022), who sustained the message of Christian unity, mutual tolerance, and the conviction that Nigeria’s diversity is a strength rather than a threat to its corporate existence.

Hon. Akobundu also warmly commended the present leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria under the able and progressive guidance of His Grace, Most Rev. Daniel C. Okoh, the current President. She praised Archbishop Okoh for providing steady, unifying, and visionary leadership at a critical period in the life of the Church and the nation.

Under his watch, CAN has continued to uphold the sacred mandate of Christian unity, strengthened interfaith engagement, and remained a consistent moral voice advocating peace, justice, and responsible citizenship.

She particularly noted his wise counsel against the weaponisation of religion, ethnicity, and regional sentiments as the country approaches the 2027 general elections, as well as his leadership in organising the 50th anniversary celebrations under the inspiring theme of walking together in faith.

His Grace, she said, has shown that the baton of leadership has been firmly and faithfully passed, ensuring that the legacy of the founding fathers and past presidents continues to bear fruit for the good of the Church and the Nigerian nation.

“These distinguished fathers of faith laboured to build bridges of understanding, defend the vulnerable, speak truth to power, and keep the Church united as a moral compass for the nation,” Hon. Akobundu stated.

“Their contributions to peace, stability, and national growth form an enduring legacy that the present generation of Christians must honour through responsible citizenship and active participation in nation-building. We equally celebrate and support the current leadership under Archbishop Daniel Okoh for carrying this torch with wisdom, courage, and commitment.”

She continued: “As CAN clocks 50, I urge all Christians and people of faith to lift President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in continuous prayers. We must also back our prayers with concrete electoral support. President Tinubu has demonstrated courage, reform-mindedness, and a determination to reposition Nigeria. It is our collective responsibility to sustain this leadership through the ballot in 2027.”

Hon. Akobundu emphasised that the Church has a critical role to play in nation-building, not only through spiritual intercession but also by encouraging active and peaceful participation in the democratic process. She called on Christian leaders, congregations, and youth groups to organise prayer sessions, voter education programmes, and mobilisation efforts in support of the President’s re-election bid.