The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has issued a formal statement defending its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, against widespread misleading narratives and false claims circulating on social media, particularly concerning Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges and his alleged political affiliations. The church, through its official public relations platform, condemned what it described as deliberate distortions, agenda-driven commentary, and misinformation targeting Pastor Adeboye, urging the public to disregard baseless allegations.
In a statement released on Tuesday, June 2, the RCCG emphasized that Pastor Adeboye has always maintained a neutral stance on politics, neither endorsing the current administration nor campaigning for President Bola Tinubu. The church clarified that while it encourages members to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and support candidates of their choice, it does not align itself with any political party or figure. This position, the church stated, has been consistent over the years.
Addressing viral claims that Pastor Adeboye cancelled a planned protest following the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, the RCCG explained that the directive was not issued by him personally. Instead, it was in line with guidance from the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), which advised affiliated churches to centralize their prayer programmes and hold rallies within designated venues. The church stressed that the adjustment was part of a coordinated nationwide response to ensure safety and unity among Christian communities.
The RCCG also refuted accusations that Pastor Adeboye remains silent on national issues. It pointed out that he has consistently spoken on critical matters such as insecurity, corruption, economic hardship, governance, elections, and leadership ethics. However, the church noted that his approach is primarily spiritual, centered on prayer, moral instruction, and counseling, rather than direct political engagement or confrontation.
The statement further dismissed claims that Pastor Adeboye should be directing military operations to rescue abducted victims, reminding the public that he holds no governmental or military authority as Commander-in-Chief. The church reiterated that such responsibilities lie with the state and its security agencies, not religious leaders.
Despite the church’s clarifications, social media reactions remain divided. Some users accused the RCCG of being complicit with corrupt political elites, while others criticized the church for not doing enough to address national crises. Comments from users like @kaykasper and @AdeChukwudile reflected deep public frustration, alleging that the church has aligned too closely with the ruling APC and failed to speak out against injustice.
The RCCG’s response underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability, as it seeks to correct misinformation and protect the integrity of its leadership. As Nigeria continues to grapple with security and governance challenges, the church’s stance highlights the delicate balance between spiritual leadership and public engagement in a time of national crisis.
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