Northern Christian Youths Rebuke Church Leaders for ‘Abandoning the Pulpit for Politics

By: Luka Binniyat

KADUNA – In a strongly worded statement released on April 30, 2025, the Northern Christian Youth Association of Nigeria (NCYAN) has openly disavowed the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states. The group accused church leaders, particularly Reverend Joseph Hayab, of forsaking their spiritual responsibilities in favour of political posturing.

“ CAN Has Lost Its Spiritual Focus,” NCYAN Says

Dogara Unyem (Caesar), Public Relations Officer of NCYAN, expressed the group’s dismay at what they view as the increasing politicization of the church.
“We the members of the Northern Christian Youth Association of Nigeria (NCYAN) have distanced ourselves from whatever that the CAN chairman of the 19 states believes that goes outside the jurisdiction of the church,” he stated.

According to NCYAN, church leaders who cannot be clearly distinguished from politicians have no business on the pulpit. “This isn’t just about Rev. Joseph Hayab but about all who can no longer be differentiated from politicians,” Unyem added.

Defense of Seyi Tinubu Sparks Outrage

At the centre of the controversy is Reverend Hayab’s reported defense of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under the banner of Northern CAN. NCYAN regards this as a misuse of religious office for political ends.
“Rev. Joseph Hayab should concentrate on the Lord’s work and leave politics for the politicians,” Unyem declared. “He has no business defending the son of the President under the umbrella of Northern CAN. We definitely do not take this lightly.”

A Cry for the Church to Reclaim Its Role

Beyond the immediate fallout, NCYAN’s statement reflects growing concern that Nigeria’s Christian leadership is drifting from its mission in the face of national hardship.
“The society has so many ailments that the church got to talk about and try to solve,” Unyem emphasized. “But it has become unfortunate that we select what to talk about or whom to defend because it serves more of our personal interests.”

He issued a stark challenge to religious leaders: “Church leaders should either recommit to their spiritual mandate or take a bow and remove the sacred garment of God.”

Silence from CAN as Rift Widens

As of press time, Reverend Hayab and the Northern CAN leadership have not responded to the NCYAN’s accusations. However, the statement has stirred public debate over the proper role of faith in a country burdened by poverty, insecurity, and political division.

The incident underscores a deepening crisis of trust within Nigeria’s Christian community, raising urgent questions: can the church reclaim its moral authority, or will it remain entangled in the politics it was meant to transcend?