Dr. Ayokunle Wins 2nd Term As CAN President
Elder Dr. Caleb Ahima (left) congratulating Dr. Olasupo Ayokunle after declaring Dr. Ayokunle winner of the election.
Reverend Dr Samson Olasupo Adeniyi Ayokunle on Tuesday emerged winner as the President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for another term of three years . He defeated Elder Dr Caleb Ahima of TEKAN/ECWA bloc at the association’s election in Abuja today.
According to the report of the election conducted by Rev Fr (Dr) Hassan Kukah-led electoral committee, Ayokunle scored 59 while Ahima scored 44.
Ayokunle is the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention while Ahima is the Chairman of the TEKAN/ECWA bloc in CAN. Ahima, according to the Constitution of CAN now becomes the Vice President . He replaces the immediate past Vice President, Elder Prof Joseph Otubu.
The President, Christian Press Association of Nigeria (CPAN) Bola Adewora who witnessed the election said the election was free, fair and peaceful.
CPAN president said Rev Father Kukah who chaired the election had congratulated Dr. Ayokunle for being reelected CAN President and charged the new leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria to work for the unity of the Body of Christ in Nigeria and to speak truth to those in power without necessarily being antagonistic towards the government.
“You should not be too close to the government at the expense of Church but to speak for the church when the need arises. This does not mean you are to be confrontational or fighting the government. And you should work with those who contested against you, those voted for you, who worked for you and those who worked against you. God gives us the freedom of choice and it is that gift we have just demonstrated. I am so happy that the election was free and fair as we can all see it, Rev Dr. Kukah said.
In his remark, Ayokunle promised to continue carrying the leadership of CAN along in all his action and to work together with his new deputy. He charged the Church leaders in the country to avoid contradicting the position of the Association on national issues.
“We are one but our actions must show that we are one. I advised all our leaders to borrow a leaf from Pastor Enoch Adeboye who said he does not need to be speaking again on any issue once the CAN President has spoken over it.”
In his conceding remark, Elder Ahima pledges to work harmoniously with Dr Ayokunle on how to speak for the Church in the country at times like these.
The 104 members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the members, according to Adewora constituted the voters who participated in the exercise.
CPAN president said accreditation of delegates at CAN’s Ecumenical Centre in Abuja for the election started as early as 9am.
