ENUGU CAN DISOWNS APC CAMPAIGN COUNCIL LIST, SAYS CHURCH LEADERS WERE NOT CONSULTED BEFORE APPOINTMENTS
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Enugu State has reportedly distanced itself from the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign council list for the 2027 general elections, stating that Christian leaders were not consulted before their names were included in the political structure.
The development has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the composition of the APC campaign council, particularly the reported inclusion of individuals associated with the Christian community without prior consultation with the church leadership.
The controversy followed the unveiling of the Enugu APC Campaign Council on October 27, 2026. The council, which comprises 51 directorates, was established to coordinate the party’s mobilisation and campaign activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, was named chairman of the campaign council, while Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, APC South-East leaders and other prominent political figures were assigned leadership positions.
The list also included several former public office holders, serving politicians and individuals from different professional and community backgrounds. The APC leadership said the broad composition was intended to ensure participation across communities, political groups, women’s organisations, youth bodies and other sections of society.
However, the reported objection by Enugu CAN suggests that the inclusion of church-related names in the campaign structure has generated concerns over consultation and consent.
The association’s position, as reported, is that its leadership was not involved in discussions before the campaign council list was released. This distinction is important because the inclusion of individuals associated with a religious organisation does not automatically amount to an endorsement by the organisation itself.
The development also highlights the sensitivity surrounding the relationship between religious institutions and political parties, particularly during preparations for a general election.
Christian organisations in Nigeria have traditionally participated in public discussions concerning governance, security, social welfare and national development. However, an organisation’s involvement in political matters is separate from the individual political choices of its members and leaders.
The APC campaign council was unveiled under the leadership of the party’s Enugu State chairman, Dr Martin Chukwunweike, and the state secretary, Chukwudi Nnadozie. Chief Charlie Mbah was named Director-General of the campaign organisation, while Dr Eric Oluedo was appointed Secretary-General.
Other prominent figures were assigned responsibilities across the council’s various directorates, including mobilisation, communications, security, fundraising and inter-party affairs.
The campaign structure is expected to coordinate activities in the three senatorial districts of Enugu State and promote the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 polls.
The controversy surrounding CAN’s reported disassociation raises questions about whether the APC will clarify the process through which individuals and organisations were represented in the campaign structure.
It also places attention on the need for political parties to obtain the consent of individuals and organisations before presenting them as participants or representatives in campaign arrangements.
As political mobilisation increases ahead of the 2027 elections, disagreements over appointments, representation and endorsements could become important issues for parties seeking support from religious, traditional, professional and community institutions.
Street News Reporters will continue to monitor the development, including any further clarification from Enugu CAN, the APC leadership and individuals whose names may have been included in the campaign council without prior consultation.
