The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has pledged to stay focused on its core mission, despite recent controversies over tenure extension.
The association’s leadership has vowed to ignore detractors and avoid engaging in unnecessary disputes.
Recently, a crisis erupted within the Northern CAN over the tenure of Rev. Yakubu Pam, whose term as chairman was said to have expired over two years ago.
The situation intensified when Rev. John Hayab’s faction held an election and elected him as the new chairman, a move that was denounced by Pam’s group as a “religious coup” and “fraudulent.”
However, on March 9, 2025, the chairmen of CAN across the 19 Northern states and the FCT expressed their full support for the newly elected leadership under Rev. Hayab. They called on the outgoing leadership to promptly hand over all association property.
At a dinner held in Kaduna on Monday, Rev. Hayab, now the Chairman of Northern CAN, made it clear that the association’s work would speak for itself.
He expressed deep concern over the entrenched religious and ethnic divisions within Northern Nigeria, describing them as significant barriers to growth and peaceful coexistence.
“We are committed to truth, inclusivity, and addressing the challenges that hold back the progress of our region,” Rev. Hayab stated. “The new leadership of Northern CAN will be a strong advocate for Northern Christians, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.”
He also called for unity and collaboration among Christians, emphasizing that the region’s blessings could only be fully realized through collective effort and mutual respect. “We will remain a voice for Northern Christians, defenders of truth, and speakers of truth to power,” Hayab declared. “But we will do so with love and understanding.”
Ambassador Elizabeth Azizi, leader of the Northern CAN Women’s Wing, voiced confidence in Rev. Hayab’s leadership, describing him as a capable and dedicated leader who would drive the Christian cause forward in the North.
She also criticized the previous leadership under Rev. Pam and Elder Sunday Oibe, accusing them of overstaying their tenure by over two years.
“We urge the former leadership to act with maturity and avoid drawing the Christian body into unnecessary conflicts,” Azizi stated.
Northern CAN’s Youth Leader, Evangelist Musa Misal, reaffirmed the youth’s unwavering support for Hayab. “The youth stand firmly with the new leadership and will offer our total support. This is the kind of leadership we have longed for,” he said.
Misal also called for the immediate transfer of all Northern CAN properties across the 19 states and the FCT to the new leadership.
The dinner, held to celebrate the newly elected leadership, was attended by key Christian figures from the region, including Bishop Mohammed Naga (Secretary General of Northern CAN, Borno State), Dr. Grace Kaka (Director of Legal and Public Affairs, Bauchi State), Rev. Godwin Adole (Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith, Sokoto State), and Rev. Emeka Obianyor (Director of Planning, Research, and Strategy). Other notable attendees included Rev. Fr. Prof. Ngbea Gabriel (Director of Youth, Women, and Education, Benue State), Rev. Dr. Jonah Samson (Vice Chairman of Northern CAN, Chairman of CAN North Central Zone), and Bishop Ademola Idowu Tinuoye (President of the Pentecostal Bishops Forum and President of the Seat of God Ministries, Kaduna).
The event highlighted a renewed sense of unity and purpose among Northern Christians, signaling a new chapter in the region’s religious leadership.
