By Odeh Favour Adiya
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed claims linking its recent nationwide fasting and prayer programme to the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, describing the reports as false and misleading.
In a statement issued in Ibadan on Monday, PFN National Secretary, David Bakare, said the initiative was conceived, approved and coordinated exclusively by the leadership of the Fellowship without external influence or direction.
According to Bakare, the decision to organise the spiritual exercise emerged from deliberations held during a meeting of the PFN National Executive Council on May 19, 2026, where members reviewed the country’s growing security and socio-economic challenges.
Following the meeting, the council directed Pentecostal Christians across Nigeria to observe a three-day period of fasting and prayer, culminating in coordinated gatherings in various states under the supervision of PFN leaders.
Responding to speculation that Pastor Adeboye or the RCCG initiated the programme, Bakare stated that the church merely participated as one of the Fellowship’s member organisations.
“Neither Adeboye nor the RCCG played any role in initiating or directing the exercise. The church merely participated as a member of the Fellowship,” he said.
He explained that the prayer programme coincided with Pentecost Sunday, a significant event in the Christian calendar commemorating the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Bakare further disclosed that the Fellowship had initially considered public processions and the use of placards as part of the programme but later shelved the idea over security concerns.
“A proposal for public processions and the use of placards was later suspended due to security concerns and the need to prevent criminal infiltration,” he noted.
The PFN secretary said the exercise successfully achieved its objectives by mobilising Christians nationwide to pray for peace, security and national renewal while drawing attention to the concerns of citizens.
He also expressed concern over what he described as increasing attacks and misinformation targeting prominent religious leaders, urging the public to verify information before sharing it.
Bakare commended the RCCG and other Pentecostal blocs for supporting the initiative, stressing that their participation reflected a long-standing tradition of collaboration within the Christian community.
He reaffirmed the Fellowship’s commitment to promoting national unity, justice, good governance and sustained intercession for the country under the leadership of PFN President, Bishop Wale Oke.
The clarification follows widespread discussion surrounding the prayer programme, which was held from May 22 to 24, 2026, in observance of Global Pentecost Day.
The initiative also came amid growing public concern over insecurity, including recent attacks and abductions in parts of the country, which prompted renewed calls for government action and national reflection.
