CAN Denies Inviting Sultan Of Sokoto to Abuja Airport Chapel Event

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has denied claims circulating online that the Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar was invited to serve as “Royal Father of the Day” at the proposed foundation-laying ceremony of an Ecumenical Chapel at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. In a statement, CAN said it had “noted with serious concern the circulation of a […]

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has denied claims circulating online that the Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar was invited to serve as “Royal Father of the Day” at the proposed foundation-laying ceremony of an Ecumenical Chapel at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

In a statement, CAN said it had “noted with serious concern the circulation of a misleading opinion and related social media claims” making the allegation, stressing that “no such invitation was extended to the Sultan by CAN.”

“We state, firmly and without equivocation, that no such invitation was extended to the Sultan by CAN. This claim is false,” the association said.

CAN clarified that the material being referenced did not originate from the body, noting that it was “made public by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and not from CAN.” It added, “At no point did CAN release any such invitation.”

The association further expressed concern over the implications of the claim, saying the narrative “appears deliberately framed to provoke religious sensitivities and manufacture controversy where none exists.”

“At a time when national unity requires careful stewardship, such distortions are reckless and unacceptable,” the statement read.

Reaffirming its position, CAN said it remains committed to both “uphold the integrity of Christian faith and worship” and “promote peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among all Nigerians.”

“These are not competing values; they are complementary responsibilities,” it added.

The association also cautioned against the spread of unverified information, stating that “truth must never be sacrificed on the altar of sensationalism.”

“The suggestion that the Sultan was assigned any role in the ceremonial proceedings is entirely unfounded and should be dismissed in its entirety,” CAN said.

It called on the media and the public to exercise restraint and diligence, urging them to “verify before amplifying, question before believing, and prioritise facts over virality.”

“Let it be clearly and finally stated: the Sultan of Sokoto was not invited,” the statement concluded.