The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has firmly denied claims that the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, was invited to serve as ‘Royal Father of the Day’ at the proposed foundation-laying ceremony of an Ecumenical Chapel at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, describing the claim as false and misleading.

The response follows the rapid spread of the claim across social media and opinion platforms, where it has drawn attention and stirred concern about possible religious tension. CAN’s intervention seeks to correct the narrative and steady public perception before it escalates.

In a statement on Saturday by its Media Office, the association said it never extended such an invitation and clarified that the material in circulation originated from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), not CAN.

“We state, firmly and without equivocation, that no such invitation was extended to the Sultan by CAN. This claim is false,” the statement said.

CAN said it was important to clearly distance itself from the claim, which it noted has been wrongly attributed to the body.

“For the record, the material in question was made public by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and not from CAN. At no point did CAN release any such invitation,” it added.

The association warned that the narrative goes beyond mere inaccuracy, suggesting it may have been deliberately framed to trigger avoidable religious sensitivities.

“Beyond its inaccuracy, the narrative appears deliberately framed to provoke religious sensitivities and manufacture controversy where none exists,” the statement noted.

Reaffirming its broader role, CAN said its commitment remains rooted in both faith and national harmony.

“CAN remains unwavering in its dual commitment: to uphold the integrity of Christian faith and worship, and to promote peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among all Nigerians.

“We therefore call on the media, opinion leaders, and the general public to act with responsibility: verify before amplifying, question before believing, and prioritise facts over virality,” the statement added.

The association restated that the Sultan was not invited, describing the circulating claim as the handiwork of mischief makers and urging the public to disregard it. (Saturday Vanguard, excluding headline)