The national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has formally disowned groups styling themselves as “Northern CAN” and “Southern CAN”, declaring that such bodies are unknown to its constitution and warning that any continued use of those labels is illegal and will attract legal consequences.
In a public notice issued by the national leadership and circulated via its official media channels, CAN stated that its constitution recognizes only national, zonal, state and local structures, and does not provide for any entities called “Northern CAN” or “Southern CAN”. The leadership stressed that the association is one indivisible body for all Nigerian Christians, irrespective of regional or ethnic identity, and that any sectional branding undermines this unity.
CAN further described the continued use of the “Northern CAN” and “Southern CAN” nomenclature in statements, public engagements or political negotiations as a violation of its constitution and an infringement on the corporate identity of the national body. It warned that individuals or groups presenting themselves under those banners do so without authority and may face legal action for misrepresentation.
The clarification comes against the backdrop of recurring internal tussles and regional claims to CAN leadership in parts of the country, where rival factions have held separate meetings and press conferences under the “Northern CAN” label. By restating that there is no constitutional basis for such regional blocs, the national leadership aims to curb factionalism and reassert the central authority of the association over all its recognized structures.
CAN urged government agencies, political actors, security institutions and the general public to desist from recognizing or dealing with any body or spokesperson claiming to represent “Northern CAN” or “Southern CAN”. It called on Christians nationwide to rally around the constitutionally recognized organs of the association, while pledging to continue speaking with one voice on matters affecting the church and the nation.
