Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) clarifies it is a single national body, warns against Northern or Southern CAN and unauthorized entities

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has clarified its structure and operations, emphasizing that it functions as a single national entity headquartered in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.

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CAN explained that its activities are organized through officially recognized branches as outlined in Article 8(2)(1)(A–D) of its 2021 Constitution (as amended). These branches include zonal, state (including FCT), local government, and district/ward unit branches.

In its statement, the association warned that it does not operate under any “Northern CAN” or “Southern CAN” divisions. According to CAN, any individual or group claiming such titles is acting in violation of Article 8(3)(6) of its Constitution, which prohibits unauthorized use of the CAN name or acronym by anyone not formally established by the National Executive Council.

The association reiterated its commitment to unity, citing its motto from John 17:21, “That they may be one.” CAN urged the public to avoid engagement with unauthorized entities and warned that continued use or patronage of the names “Northern CAN,” “Southern CAN,” or any other variant could lead to legal action for violating the organization’s constitutional rights.

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The statement, obtained by Daily Post, was signed by top CAN leadership, including Archbishop (Dr.) Daniel C. Okoh, President; Apostle Professor Samson A. Fatokun, General Secretary; and bloc heads from the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CSN), Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN/PEN), and the Evangelical Church Winning All (TEKAN/ECWA).

CAN appealed to the public to respect its official structure and branches as defined in its constitution.