Pastor Samson Olasupo Ayokunle was re-elected yesterday in Abuja as the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). He defeated Elder Dr Caleb Ahima of TEKAN/ECWA block, for another three-year term.

Ayokunle, who was first elected in June 2016, polled 54 votes to defeat Prof. Joseph Otubu of the Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Movement with 28 votes.

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 block in CAN. Ahima, according to the Constitution of CAN now becomes the Vice President to replace the immediate past Vice President, Elder Joseph Otubu.

 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.

 Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Rev. Samson Ayokunle on his re-election as President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Buhari in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Tuesday, congratulated church leaders and Christendom in general for the successful election.

 The President assured the President of CAN that his administration would continue to strengthen the existing cordial relationship with the association, especially in tackling the challenges facing Nigeria.

Recalling his meetings with Rev. Ayokunle, who is also the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Buhari believed the cleric’s maturity, humility and wise counsels the to the government will go a long way in healing and putting the country on the right track for development.

The President prayed that the almighty God would grant the leadership of CAN more wisdom and strength in running the affairs of the association.