MURIC Accuses CAN of Betrayal Over Alleged Role in U.S. Redesignation of Nigeria

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) of betraying President Bola Tinubu, despite what it described as the President’s inclusive approach and generous appointment of Christians into key government positions.

The accusation comes in response to the recent decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians.

In a statement issued on Friday, MURIC’s Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, criticised what he called the involvement of some Christian leaders in sending misleading petitions to U.S. authorities, alleging targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria.

“Despite the strong denial of any Christian genocide by the Nigerian government, the U.S. President still redesignated Nigeria as a country of particular concern,” Akintola said.

MURIC described the U.S. move as “unjustified, misleading, and distorted,” insisting that the claims of religious persecution in Nigeria were exaggerated and did not reflect the nation’s realities.

“The redesignation is blurred, misplaced, and a complete misrepresentation of the true situation in Nigeria,” the statement read.

According to MURIC, some Christian leaders have damaged Nigeria’s global image by submitting “frivolous petitions” to the U.S. Congress – petitions that it alleged were endorsed, rather than corrected, by CAN.

“Instead of addressing the irrationality behind this redesignation, we must now turn our focus to the fifth columnists among us,” Akintola declared.

He recalled that some Christian leaders had written to the U.S. Congress, claiming that only Christians were victims of terrorism in Nigeria. “Rather than refuting this falsehood, CAN amplified it,” he said.

Expressing disappointment, MURIC condemned CAN’s actions as “irresponsible”, especially considering its national influence and stated commitment to peace and interfaith unity.

“We are deeply shocked by the actions of CAN, an organisation that should be a bridge-builder,” the group added.

MURIC further argued that President Tinubu had shown fairness toward Christians through appointments and privileges, describing CAN’s actions as “a stab in the back.”

“Given the President’s preference for Christians in strategic appointments and opportunities, CAN’s behaviour is nothing short of betrayal,” the statement concluded.