The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has described as false claims by former governor of Kaduna state and chieftain of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nasir El -rufai, that Christians constitute less than 25 per cent of the state’s population.

CAN in a statement, reacting to El-Rufai’s claim, described it as a blatant falsehood that is contradicted by verifiable data from the Nigerian National Population Commission.

The Kaduna State CAN Chairman, Rev Caleb Ma’aji Bawa, refuted the claims which he described as reprehensible and unfounded allegations made during his appearance on the Politics Today program on Channels TV.

He said, “As the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Kaduna State Chapter, I am outraged by Mr El-Rufai’s claims, which are not only a gross misrepresentation of facts but also a manifestation of deep-seated animosity towards the Christian community in Kaduna State.”

The chairman denied claims by the former governor that Christian leaders in Kaduna State receiving $20,000 for medical trips overseas is “a fabrication designed to malign and discredit the Christian community”.

According to him, “We take umbrage with Mr. El-Rufai’s disparaging remarks, which insult the dignity and integrity of the Christian community in Kaduna State. His comments betray a lack of respect and understanding for the significant contributions Christians have made to the state’s development.”

“Christian community in the state demands an unequivocal apology from El-Rufai for his malicious statements, we expect him to retract his claims and demonstrate a commitment to promoting interfaith harmony and understanding in Kaduna State.”