The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in Kaduna has described the assertion by former governor, Nasir El-Rufai that Christians constitute less than 25% of the state’s population as blatant falsehood, contradicted by verifiable data from the Nigerian National Population Commission.

The CAN state chairman, Rev Caleb Ma’aji Bawa on Monday, in a statement refuted the claims which he described as a 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 further explained that the former governor’s claim that Christian leaders in Kaduna State receive $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.”

He said the Christian community in the state demands an unequivocal apology from Mr El-Rufai for his malicious statements, saying that they expect him to retract his claims and demonstrate a commitment to promoting interfaith harmony and understanding in Kaduna State.