The leadership of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has refuted claims linking nationwide prayer gathering to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) or its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, saying the programme was PFN initiative conceived May 19, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Media Bureau of the Fellowship, the National Secretary of PFN, Bishop David Bakare, clarified that the programme in question was conceived, approved, coordinated, and executed solely under the authority of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.
According to Bishop Bakare, “It is unfair, irrational, and deeply unfortunate for anyone to attempt to attribute the programme to Pastor E.A. Adeboye or the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
The RCCG never called for any protest. The programme was entirely a PFN initiative.”He explained that on the night of May 19, 2026, the National Executive Council of PFN met to deliberate on the worsening socio-economic and security challenges facing the nation.
Following extensive consultations, the Council directed all Pentecostal Christians across Nigeria to observe a three-day national period of fasting and prayer, culminating in a gathering of believers in their respective states at venues designated by state PFN leadership.
“The programme was entirely a PFN affair,” Bishop Bakare stated. “All directives, instructions, and operational decisions originated from PFN leadership without any interference whatsoever from Pastor E.A. Adeboye or the RCCG.
Every church that participated, including RCCG, simply complied with the directive of the Fellowship as responsible members of the Pentecostal community.
”Providing further context, Bishop Bakare noted that the final day of the programme coincided with Pentecost Sunday, a globally recognised Christian observance commemorating the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church.
“Pentecost is celebrated worldwide by Christians across denominations and nations. Therefore, the gatherings held were not peculiar to RCCG or churches in Nigeria alone. They formed part of a global Christian observance,” he explained.
He further disclosed that an initial proposal involving public processions and placards was responsibly suspended by PFN leadership after careful assessment of prevailing security concerns.
“The decision to step down that aspect of the programme was taken to prevent any possibility of infiltration by criminal elements or hoodlums and to ensure that a genuine spiritual exercise was not hijacked or transformed into a security challenge. PFN acted prudently and responsibly in the interest of public peace and safety.
”The Fellowship expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the programme, describing it as successful in mobilising believers to pray for the nation while also conveying the concerns and aspirations of Nigerians to those in authority.
“We are grateful to God that the programme was successful and widely embraced. If there are individuals who believe alternative approaches should have been adopted, they are free to organise lawful initiatives of their own rather than spreading unfounded allegations and misinformation borne out of ignorance or prejudice,” Bishop Bakare said.
The PFN leadership also condemned the increasing trend of personal attacks, insults, and derogatory comments directed at respected Christian leaders.
“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.
Public discourse must be guided by truth, responsibility, and respect. Deliberate attempts to tarnish reputations through falsehoods are harmful to national unity and social cohesion.
”The Fellowship specifically commended the Redeemed Christian Church of God for standing alongside other Pentecostal churches in support of the initiative.
“We celebrate RCCG for participating fully, just as it has consistently done whenever called upon by recognised Christian bodies.
As far back as 2020, under directives issued by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Adeboye and RCCG demonstrated similar commitment to national spiritual engagements.
Their participation in this recent programme was neither exceptional nor independent; it was simply part of their longstanding commitment to the collective body of Christ.
”The PFN further warned individuals and groups against the circulation of false narratives, misleading reports, and defamatory content aimed at discrediting respected Christian leaders and institutions.
The Fellowship emphasised that freedom of expression does not extend to the deliberate spread of falsehood, character assassination, or malicious propaganda.
It urged members of the public, media practitioners, and social media commentators to verify facts before publishing or sharing information capable of damaging reputations or causing unnecessary division
Reaffirming the Fellowship’s commitment to national development and advocacy, Bishop Bakare stated that under the leadership of PFN President Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the organisation will continue to speak responsibly on issues affecting Nigerians.
“The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria remains committed to praying for the nation, advocating for justice, encouraging good governance, and calling on government at all levels to do more to protect lives, secure communities, and alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. We shall not relent in this sacred responsibility.
”The Fellowship concluded by calling on Christians and Nigerians at large to reject misinformation, embrace truth, and work together in the collective interest of national peace, unity, and progress.
