CAN Rejects El-Rufai’s Claims on Kaduna Christian Population, Demands Apology

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, has strongly faulted former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s recent remarks alleging that Christians make up less than 25 percent of the state’s population. The association described the claim as a “blatant falsehood” contradicted by official records from the National Population Commission.

In a statement on Monday, the CAN chairman, Rev. Caleb Ma’aji Bawa, dismissed the comments made by El-Rufai during his appearance on Politics Today as “reprehensible and unfounded.” He stressed that such claims reflect a deep-seated bias against the Christian community in the state.

Bawa further condemned the former governor’s allegation that Christian leaders in Kaduna are sponsored with $20,000 for overseas medical trips, labeling it “a fabrication designed to malign and discredit the Christian community.” He said the remarks were not only insulting but also undermined the contributions of Christians to the state’s growth and development.

The association, therefore, demanded an unreserved apology from El-Rufai and urged him to withdraw his statements. CAN also called on him to demonstrate genuine commitment toward fostering interfaith unity and mutual respect in Kaduna State.