By Gloria Ikibah
The Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA) has affirmed its support for the reported conversion of Ibrahim Nuru Khalid, son of prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Mohammad Nuru Khalid, to Christianity, saying his choice of religion is protected by the Nigerian Constitution.
The association said Ibrahim had the constitutional right to choose and change his religion and must not be threatened, intimidated or punished for exercising that right. 
In a statement issued by the National Chairman of the Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association, Rev. Luke Shehu, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, ACIPA said it had been informed of the reported conversion of Ibrahim and expressed solidarity with his father, Sheikh Mohammad Nuru Khalid.
The association described Sheikh Mohammad Nuru Khalid as a respected Islamic cleric and recalled that he was a recipient of ACIPA’s Special Merit Award of Excellence for his consistent messages of peaceful coexistence, justice and nation-building.
“His voice has been a bridge in a time of division,” he said.
On Ibrahim’s reported conversion, ACIPA said, “the choice of religion is a personal matter between an individual and God, the Creator.”
It cited Section 38 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
“This includes the freedom to change one’s religion,” ACIPA said, stressing that “No Nigerian can be forced, coerced, or punished for the exercise of this constitutional right.”
The association also condemned any threats of violence against Ibrahim because of his reported decision to become a Christian.
It said it was formally notifying relevant security agencies and called on them to take immediate and decisive action against anyone who attempted to harm, intimidate or harass Ibrahim.
“We strongly condemn and warn against any individual, group, or entity that makes threats of violence, jihad, or any form of harm against Ibrahim Nuru Khalid on account of his personal faith decision.
“The life and liberty of every Nigerian must be protected by law,” ACIPA said.
ACIPA also appealed to Christians to handle the development with restraint, urging both clergy and lay Christians to pray for Ibrahim, his safety, his family and peace in Nigeria.
It cautioned against statements that could provoke Muslims or portray the reported conversion as a victory over Islam.
“We urge restraint from frivolous, provocative, or triumphalist statements against Islam or Muslims.
“Our witness must be one of love, dignity, and truth, not of insult or incitement,” ACIPA said.
The association equally appealed to Muslim leaders and communities to uphold what it described as the long-standing tradition of mutual respect advocated by Sheikh Mohammad Nuru Khalid.
ACIPA stressed that the issue should not be allowed to trigger religious tension or undermine the supremacy of the Nigerian Constitution.
“We appeal to all Muslim leaders and communities to uphold the long tradition of mutual respect that Sheikh Nuru Khalid himself has preached.
“Nigeria is a secular, constitutional democracy. We must not allow this moment to be misused to create tension or to test whether we operate under the supremacy of the Nigerian Constitution or any other law,” the association said.
The group said its position was based on the principle that every Nigerian should be free to determine his or her faith without fear.
“ACIPA stands for the right of every Nigerian to live, believe, and worship without fear,” it said.
The association warned against any attempt to impose different standards of law based on religious affiliation.
“We will not accept a situation where Nigeria operates a “dual constitution”. Our nation is governed by one law: the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
ACIPA therefore called on the Federal Government, state governments, traditional rulers and religious leaders to work together to douse tension and protect peace.
It also prayed for Ibrahim Nuru Khalid, Sheikh Mohammad Nuru Khalid and his family, as well as peace in Arewa and Nigeria.
Naijablitznews.com reports that the Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA) is a non-governmental religious advocacy group representing Christian clergy and indigenous Christian communities in Northern Nigeria.
Its core focus us advocating for the rights, social justice, and welfare of Northern Christians, promoting interfaith peace, and addressing issues of security and development in the region.
