Taraba CAN Election Delayed for Second Time Amid Accusations of Political Interference
The Taraba State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is embroiled in a leadership crisis following the indefinite postponement of its election, which was originally scheduled for today, January 17, 2025. This marks the second delay in the election process, which was first disrupted in November 2024 due to disagreements over rotational leadership arrangements.
A significant point of contention has been the Catholic Bloc’s threat to boycott the election unless their candidate was allowed to assume the chairmanship position. Despite efforts to resolve the dispute, including the creation of an electoral college with representatives from CAN’s five blocs, no solution has been reached, leading to growing uncertainty within the association.
The latest delay follows a petition filed by the Global Methodist Church against one of the candidates, Rev. Philip Micah Dopah. This legal challenge has further complicated the election process, deepening the division within the association.
Accusations have also been leveled against the former CAN chairman, Rev. Isaiah Jirape, who is alleged to have orchestrated the confusion to influence the election outcome. Critics claim that Jirape is attempting to install a successor who will allow him to retain control over CAN’s leadership. Some stakeholders believe Jirape’s actions are motivated by a personal vendetta against Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, who reportedly declined to reappoint him as Chairman of the Taraba State Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board in 2024.
Sources close to the situation suggest that Jirape has been using his influence to undermine the governor’s preferred candidate. Efforts to contact Jirape for comment have been unsuccessful, as his phone remained unreachable.
The ongoing turmoil within Taraba CAN has raised concerns among stakeholders, who fear that the prolonged delays and internal divisions could weaken the association’s unity and reduce its effectiveness as a voice for the Christian community in the state.
