Rev. Yakubu Pam, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the North, has stated that Christians in the region are experiencing an improved quality of life under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, Pam acknowledged that while Christian persecution has not been entirely eradicated, its intensity has significantly reduced since Tinubu took office in 2023.
The CAN chairman noted that issues such as land acquisition for church buildings, forced conversions, and the abduction of young Christian girls for forced marriages have declined.
He emphasized, however, that challenges persist.
“There’s still persecution of Christians going on. It is relatively better under this administration, but it is still ongoing. I am not saying it has stopped, but it’s very much better,” he said.
Pam’s remarks come days after he commended Tinubu’s government for its efforts in promoting inclusiveness. Addressing journalists on Saturday, January 25, after a meeting of the Northern CAN National Executive Committee (NEC), he acknowledged the administration’s attempts to integrate Christians into governance despite initial concerns over the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
“For me, the most important thing is an inclusive government. As far as they have done a Muslim-Muslim ticket, we have also seen reasonable inclusiveness,” he stated.
However, he maintained that Northern Christians would advocate for the vice-presidential position in 2027 if Tinubu decides to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima.