The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has expressed concern over the formation of a new group called the Christian Elders of the North, alleging that it was created to undermine its leadership.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Elder Sunday Oibe, Secretary of Northern CAN, described the emergence of the group as a deliberate attempt to destabilize the recognized Christian leadership in the region.
“Our attention has been drawn to a newly formed group called the Christian Elders of the North, which unfortunately seems to have been set up to undermine the leadership of CAN in the 19 Northern states and the FCT,” Oibe stated.
While acknowledging the right to free association, he condemned any effort to create a parallel body aimed at discrediting the existing Christian leadership.
“It has come to our attention that this so-called group recently convened in Abuja and conducted an election to appoint a new leadership for Northern CAN. This is deeply troubling, as no group has the authority to conduct elections for another,” he said.
READ ALSO: Tinubu’s Govt Has Ended Persecution of Northern Christians — CAN Chair Declares
Oibe urged the public to disregard any claims of a new leadership for Northern CAN, stating that the actions of the Christian Elders of the North were both “unlawful and mischievous.”
“Northern CAN remains the legitimate Christian body in the region. Anyone claiming to be the elected Chairman of Northern CAN is an impostor and a desperado,” the statement concluded.