The Chairman of the Northern Christian Association (NCA), Rev. Joseph Hayab, has dismissed claims suggesting that Northern Christian leaders have broken away from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), describing such reports as false and misleading.

Hayab made the clarification while speaking with journalists, reacting to a viral publication alleging that Northern Christians had abandoned CAN to form a separate body.

The controversial report, titled “Oluremi Tinubu Bombshell: How First Lady’s CBN News Interview Became the Final Nail in CAN’s Coffin as Northern Christians Dump Umbrella Body, Register NCA,” had claimed that disagreements within the Christian leadership led to the emergence of the new association.

However, Hayab said the article was fabricated and deliberately designed to create the impression of a crisis within the Christian community.

According to him, although the publication appeared convincing, it misrepresented the true position of Northern Christian leaders and their relationship with CAN.

He explained that the adoption of the name Northern Christian Association was done on the advice of CAN’s national leadership to prevent confusion with existing structures.

“It was the Christian Association of Nigeria that suggested we should not continue to use the name ‘Northern CAN’ so that the public would not be confused when issues are discussed in the media,” he said.

Hayab stressed that churches across Northern Nigeria remain fully aligned with CAN, adding that the regional forum is not in conflict with the national body.

“All churches in the North are with CAN and are also with us because we are one body. We are not fighting, and we remain active members of CAN. There is no need for anyone to broker peace where there is no disagreement,” he stated.

Providing historical background, the cleric noted that the Northern Christian Forum had existed long before CAN, dating back to 1964.

He explained that the recent change simply reflects a return to its original identity and structure.

Hayab also disclosed that the issue was discussed with CAN leadership during a meeting held on October 23 last year, where stakeholders agreed that adopting a distinct name would help prevent public misunderstanding.

He expressed deep respect for the President of CAN, Daniel Okoh, describing him as a leader widely respected by Northern Christians.

“Archbishop Okoh is the last person anyone would want to hurt. The stories about friction are completely out of context. Some people are simply trying to create a rift where there is none,” he said.

Hayab further clarified that the forum is not opposed to the government, contrary to suggestions in some quarters.

Instead, he said the organisation remains committed to constructive engagement by speaking honestly to authorities in the interest of national development.

“We are known for telling the government the truth for the sake of the country. Every responsible government should welcome people who can speak honestly rather than those who pretend everything is fine while the nation suffers,” he added.

According to him, while CAN addresses issues affecting Christians nationwide, Northern Nigeria faces unique realities that sometimes require targeted regional advocacy.

He said the forum would focus on concerns affecting Christians in the region, including religious freedom, access to education, shortage of Christian Religious Knowledge teachers and limited admission opportunities for Christian students in some areas.

The association comprises Christian leaders drawn from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Hayab added that the word “Nigeria” was deliberately excluded from the revived name out of respect for the parent body.

He noted that the organisation has now been formally registered and incorporated as the Forum of Northern Christians and the FCT.

“Our focus is to ensure that Christians in Northern Nigeria enjoy equal rights and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.