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• Condemns attacks, insults on prominent Christian leaders
By Oluseye Ojo
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has declared that the recent nationwide prayer gathering and fasting exercise that sparked public debate was entirely its initiative.
The umbrella body over all Pentecostal churches in Nigeria also distanced the programme from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
The Fellowship said allegations linking the programme to RCCG or portraying Pastor Adeboye as the brain behind the initiative were false, misleading and baseless.
In a statement issued through its Media Bureau, PFN National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, said the programme was conceived, approved, coordinated and executed solely under the authority of PFN, following concerns over Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship and insecurity.
“The RCCG never called for any protest. The programme was entirely a PFN initiative,” Bakare stated.
He explained that PFN’s National Executive Council met on May 19, 2026, where members deliberated extensively on the nation’s deteriorating socio-economic and security situation before directing Pentecostal Christians nationwide to embark on a three-day fasting and prayer exercise.
According to him, the programme ended with believers gathering at designated venues across states under the supervision of PFN leadership structures.
“The programme was entirely a PFN affair. All directives, instructions and operational decisions originated from PFN leadership without any interference whatsoever from Pastor E.A. Adeboye or the RCCG,” he said.
Bakare stressed that churches, including RCCG, merely complied with the directive as members of the Pentecostal community.
He further clarified that the final day of the programme coincided with Pentecost Sunday, describing the gatherings as part of a global Christian observance rather than an event peculiar to Nigeria or RCCG.
“Pentecost is celebrated worldwide by Christians across denominations and nations. Therefore, the gatherings held were not peculiar to RCCG or churches in Nigeria alone,” he added.
The PFN Secretary disclosed that the Fellowship initially considered public processions and placard displays but later suspended the idea after assessing potential security implications.
He said the decision was taken to prevent infiltration by hoodlums and criminal elements and to ensure that the spiritual exercise did not degenerate into security challenges.
PFN expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the programme, saying it successfully mobilised believers to pray for the nation, while communicating the concerns of Nigerians to leaders.
The Fellowship also condemned increasing attacks and insults directed at prominent Christian leaders, warning against misinformation and deliberate attempts to tarnish reputations.
“The Fellowship finds it completely unacceptable for anyone, whether within or outside the Christian community, to falsely accuse, malign, insult or curse our revered fathers in the faith,” Bakare said.
PFN specifically commended RCCG for supporting the initiative, saying its participation reflected its longstanding tradition of supporting collective Christian engagements.
Reaffirming PFN’s commitment under its President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, Bakare said the Fellowship would continue advocating good governance, justice, national security and improved welfare for Nigerians.
He urged Nigerians to reject misinformation and embrace truth, unity and collective responsibility in addressing national challenges.
