The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Taraba State chapter has plunged deeper into crisis following the indefinite postponement of its election, initially scheduled for January 17, 2025.  

This marks the second delay in the election process, with the first occurring in November 2024 due to disputes over the association's rotational leadership arrangements.  

Tensions have been fueled by the Catholic Bloc’s insistence on securing the chairmanship position, threatening to boycott the election unless their candidate is allowed to contest.  

Efforts to mediate the crisis, including forming an electoral college comprising representatives from CAN’s five blocs, have so far failed to resolve the impasse.  

The latest postponement reportedly stems from a petition by the Global Methodist Church against one of the candidates, Rev. Philip Micah Dopah.  

Amid the escalating conflict, some stakeholders accuse former CAN chairman Rev. Isaiah Jirape of orchestrating the turmoil to manipulate the election in favor of a successor who would maintain his influence. Critics claim Jirape's actions are rooted in a personal feud with Governor Agbu Kefas, who declined to reappoint him as Chairman of the Taraba State Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board in 2024.  

Efforts to reach Jirape for comments were unsuccessful, as his phone was unreachable at the time of reporting.  

Stakeholders have expressed concerns that the prolonged delays and internal conflicts could weaken CAN’s unity and undermine its role as a representative voice for the Christian community in Taraba State.