The National Committee of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared the chairmanship election of its Imo State Chapter inconclusive for failure to meet constitutional provisions.

The election, held at the state secretariat of the association in Owerri on Tuesday, lasted into the late hours of the day due to some hitches.

A 15-member Electoral College, comprised of three representatives from each of CAN’s five recognized blocs, had already elected Very Rev. Fr. Gerald C. Njoku, who garnered 45 votes in the election, as the new chairman.

However, the CAN State Executive Council, comprising 38 members drawn from 27 local government chairmen and bloc leaders, declined to ratify the choice, citing a constitutional matter.

A representative of the CAN National Chairman and the National Director of issues and Social Welfare, Commodore Abimbola Ayoba, therefore declared the election inconclusive following the failure of Rev. Fr. Njoku to secure a two-thirds majority of the votes.

Ayoba, who reaffirmed the association’s commitment to upholding its constitutional guidelines, stated that the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), whose turn it is to occupy the chairmanship position, will have to resubmit its application for a final round of voting by the Electoral College.

“The Christian Association of Nigeria is governed by a constitution that ensures equity among the blocs. Respecting the rotational arrangement fosters unity and stability within the church,” the representative stated.

He further called for calm and understanding among all parties, urging leaders and delegates to prioritise peace and constitutional order.

“The peace of this nation reflects in the unity of the church. We must continue to set an example of order, respect, and godly leadership,” he added.

Meanwhile, the National Committee has officially dissolved the leadership of Rev. Eches Divine Eches, whose tenure reportedly expired on May 19, 2025. Rev. Eches represented the TEKAN and ECWA Fellowship Bloc.