The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has firmly dismissed allegations linking its recent nationwide prayer programme to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, describing the claims as false, misleading and without any factual basis.
In a statement issued by the PFN National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the Fellowship clarified that the prayer programme was conceived, approved, coordinated and executed entirely under the authority of the PFN, with no involvement from Pastor Adeboye or the RCCG beyond their participation as members of the Fellowship.
“It is 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,” Bakare stated.
He explained that all directives, operational decisions and instructions regarding the programme originated from PFN leadership, stressing that participating churches merely complied with the Fellowship’s directives.
“The programme was entirely a PFN affair and all directives, instructions and operational decisions originated from PFN leadership without any interference whatsoever from Pastor 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,” he added.
Bakare further 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.
According to him, gatherings held during the period were part of worldwide Pentecost celebrations and were neither unique to RCCG nor limited to Nigeria.
“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.
The PFN also revealed that an earlier proposal to include public processions and the use of placards was shelved after the Fellowship reviewed prevailing security concerns and opted for a more cautious approach.
The Fellowship expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the prayer programme, describing it as a successful effort that mobilised Christians nationwide to pray for Nigeria while also drawing attention to the concerns and aspirations of citizens.
“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,” Bakare said.
PFN subsequently called on Christians and Nigerians to reject misinformation, uphold the truth and work collectively towards national peace, unity and progress.
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