ECWA President Defends GCC Decision on Kano DCC Split, Urges Unity, Obedience to Church’s L’ship

By Tom Garba

In a compelling address aimed at fostering diplomatic reconciliation, the President of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Rev. Dr. Ayuba Bagat, has staunchly defended the General Church Council (GCC) decision to split the Kano District Church Council (DCC) into two new councils, Kano South and Kano Central, during the 72nd Annual General Church Council meeting on April 29, 2025, in Jos, Plateau State.

While the decision has sparked concerns among some members, Rev. Bagat emphasized its alignment with the church’s mission to expand and fulfill the Great Commission.

Addressing the ECWA Kano DCC members, Rev. Bagat clarified, “Dear brethren, the reversal of the splitting of Kano ECWA DCC can only be done by the General Church Council, which is the highest body of our church. I cannot reverse the decision of the General Council of ECWA that split the Kano DCC.”

I cannot reverse the decision of the General Council of ECWA that split the Kano DCC

He disclosed that efforts to dialogue with dissenting members had been unsuccessful so far, noting, “We had dialogued with them, but to no avail for now.”

Framing the controversy as “a misunderstanding sponsored by the enemies of the church to bring division,” Rev. Bagat urged members to remain focused on Christ’s work.

“The church is praying always for expansion, not to remain stagnant, and we cannot expand if we remain in our shell,” he stated.

The church is praying always for expansion, not to remain stagnant, and we cannot expand if we remain in our shell

Citing Matthew 7, he encouraged self-reflection, saying, “Remove the log in your own eye before removing someone else’s,” and called for a renewed commitment to the Lord’s work over internal disputes.

Rev. Bagat passionately argued that the creation of two DCCs should not hinder the church’s mission. “Shall we ignore or refuse to do the work of God because there are two DCCs in Kano? Obviously not. We need more DCCs rather,” he declared, emphasizing the ultimate aim of “heaven at last.”

Shall we ignore or refuse to do the work of God because there are two DCCs in Kano?

He stressed the importance of obedience to leadership, referencing Romans 13:1, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God,” and Hebrews 13:17, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

He urged members to remain conscious in their spiritual race, saying, “We should always be conscious in this race and let no one be the cause of our sinning, nor should we be the cause of someone else’s sin.

We should always be conscious in this race

We should always ask ourselves, is there obedience in what we’re doing? We shouldn’t harden our hearts and become prey to our enemies.”

Calling for unity, he added, “Let’s come together in harmony to pursue our aim: heaven. Whether there are two DCCs or no DCC, we have heaven to pursue. This is an individual race. We must assess ourselves always.”

Rev. Bagat concluded with a plea to channel efforts into developing the DCCs for the glory of Jesus Christ, reflecting a diplomatic approach to reconciliation amid the challenges.

Let’s come together in harmony to pursue our aim: heaven

The ECWA leadership remains committed to implementing the GCC’s resolution while addressing concerns, with a focus on peace, spiritual growth, and the expansion of the church’s mission in Kano State and beyond.

“Please channel your efforts into developing the DCCs for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Peace be upon you all,” he said.

Adding his voice to the development, Counsel to the ECWA denomination, Barrister Yakubu S. Bawan, stated that the crisis in Kano DCC, leading to a demonstration in Jos at the corporate headquarters of ECWA, is sponsored by enemies of the church and is merely a show of shame.

Mr. Bawa said the protesters and their sponsors should know that the issue was filed in a court of competent jurisdiction, and their actions are against the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“A matter in court for trial cannot be subjected to public ridicule; it’s contempt, and the law frowns upon it,” he said.

Bawa stated that he will respond accordingly, as the Church Council was served with court documents regarding the happenings in Kano DCC.