Northern Elders Slam Fake NCA Split From CAN

The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has firmly distanced itself from the Northern Christian Association (NCA), rejecting claims that Christians in Nigeria’s 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have withdrawn from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).In a statement by NOSCEF chairman Elder Sunday Oibe, the forum dismissed NCA promoters’ accusations that CAN ignored persecution and security threats against northern Christians. On the contrary, CAN has repeatedly condemned attacks, visited affected communities, pressed government officials, and pushed for justice and security reforms. NOSCEF warned that splinter groups like the NCA would fragment the Christian voice when unity is crucial. “Institutional fragmentation weakens our collective strength amid insecurity and humanitarian crises,” the statement read. It emphasised that NOSCEF does not support or endorse any divisive outfit.The elders debunked rumors of diverted foreign aid through CAN and called for internal dialogue to tackle shared issues like security, justice, aid, and spiritual renewal.
“Claims that northern Christians have mass-withdrawn from CAN are false, mischievous, and aimed at division. CAN remains the sole nationally recognised umbrella for Christians in Nigeria. Narratives of parallel structures misrepresent northern leaders and threaten decades of unity,” NOSCEF declared.

They praised former CAN president Pastor Oritsejafor’s defense of northern Christians and rejected attacks on CAN over the Lagos chapter’s decision to honour Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of President Bola Tinubu.
“That was a local event, not national policy. Engagement with officials isn’t blanket endorsement,” it stated.