The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and Abuja, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, has criticized former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over his recent remarks on the population size of Southern Kaduna.

El-Rufai, during an interview on Channels Television, claimed that Southern Kaduna makes up less than 25 per cent of Kaduna’s population.

He also said he had no regrets about his policies and actions toward the region during his eight years in power.

Responding on Monday, Reverend Hayab described El-Rufai’s comments as dangerous and divisive.

He accused the former governor of showing deep-seated hatred for Southern Kaduna and pursuing policies that fueled disunity in the state.

The CAN leader recalled that during a past national census, the large population of Southern Kaduna caused controversy, with threats of legal action against the National Population Commission by a Shariah Committee in the state.

Hayab argued that the population of Southern Kaduna cannot be dismissed.

He said many families in the region have large households, with some raising between 15 and 23 children, even without the practice of polygamy.

He accused El-Rufai and others of manipulating demographic figures by inflating numbers in other parts of the state to undermine Southern Kaduna’s strength.

Reverend Hayab expressed disappointment that the former governor openly admitted he had no regrets for policies that marginalized the region. He said El-Rufai’s actions and words show open disdain for the people he once governed.

He also rejected El-Rufai’s claim that only those who don’t know him call him a religious fundamentalist, stressing that his own painful experience under El-Rufai’s administration proves otherwise.

According to him, the peace currently being enjoyed in Kaduna is the opposite of the hostility that marked El-Rufai’s tenure.

He added that El-Rufai seems bitter because unity among citizens weakens the divisive politics he promoted.

The CAN leader urged that religion and ethnicity be included in future census exercises to stop political leaders from manipulating population figures.

He called on Nigerians to resist divisive narratives and instead promote fairness, justice, and inclusiveness in governance and demographic planning.

“Our country’s unity will only be stronger when all citizens are treated with dignity, and truth is not sacrificed for political convenience,” Hayab said.

CAN leader, Hayab slams El-Rufai over Southern Kaduna comments