Northern CAN Resolves to Focus on Mandate Amid Leadership Crisis

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and Abuja has pledged to remain focused on its mission rather than engaging in disputes with critics amid an ongoing leadership crisis.

The controversy centers on the tenure of Rev. Yakubu Pam, whose term as chairman allegedly ended over two years ago. The situation escalated when Rev. John Hayab’s faction conducted an election, declaring him the new chairman, a move that Pam’s camp rejected as a “religious coup” and “fraudulent.”

Despite the dispute, the association’s chairmen from the Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory on March 9, 2025, declared their full support for the newly elected leadership under Hayab. They urged the outgoing executives to transfer all association properties without further delay.

Speaking at a dinner organized in Kaduna to celebrate the new leadership, Hayab emphasized that CAN’s actions would speak louder than words. He expressed concern over the deep-rooted religious and ethnic divisions in Northern Nigeria, which he described as major obstacles to peace and development.

Reaffirming his commitment to unity and inclusivity, Hayab assured that the new leadership would be a strong advocate for Northern Christians, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights upheld. He urged the Christian community to embrace unity and collaboration for sustainable progress.

“We will continue to be a voice for Northern Christians, defending truth and holding leaders accountable with love and understanding,” Hayab stated. “It is unfortunate that we are often perceived as divided and intolerant. It is time for a shift toward love, respect, and partnership. Our region has great potential, but divisions have held us back for too long.”

Addressing journalists after the event, Northern CAN Women’s Wing leader, Ambassador Elizabeth Azizi, expressed confidence in Hayab’s leadership, describing him as a capable leader who would advance the Christian cause in the North. She criticized the former leadership under Rev. Pam and Secretary Elder Sunday Oibe for overstaying their tenure by nearly three years and urged them to ensure a smooth transition.

Similarly, Northern CAN Youth Leader, Evangelist Musa Misal, reaffirmed the youth’s support for Hayab’s leadership and called on the outgoing executives to accept the change in good faith. He also insisted that all CAN properties in the 19 states and Abuja be handed over to the new leadership immediately.

The event was attended by prominent Christian leaders, including the Secretary General of Northern CAN, Bishop Mohammed Naga (Borno State); Director of Legal and Public Affairs, Dr. Grace Kaka (Bauchi State); and Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith, Rev. Godwin Adole (Sokoto State). Others in attendance were Rev. Emeka Obianyor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Ngbea Gabriel (Benue State), Northern CAN Vice Chairman Rev. Dr. Jonah Samson, former ECWA General Secretary Rev. Yunusa Madu, and Bishop Ademola Idowu Tinuoye of the Pentecostal Bishops Forum, among others.