The Redeemed Christian Church of God has pushed back on the rising frustration of Nigerians over the continued silence of the Church and its General Overseer, Pastor E.A Adeboye on the hardship and insecurity in the country under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The discontent with Adeboye and RCCG hierarchy, especially, on social media platforms heightened following the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State recently.
The position of the church was worsened following a viral video posted by a church member alleging that the church hierarchy called off a plan for a nationwide protest against the Oyo kidnapping by members.
Critics accused the Pastor Adeboye and RCCG of shielding Tinubu’s incompetence government after speaking out against bad governance in the past, especially, during President Goodluck Jonathan’s government.
But in a statement on Tuesday, RCCG defended Adeboye’s participation in the protest called by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
The statement further stated the following…
• Pastor Adeboye cannot command the President or the First Lady on how to govern Nigeria.
• Pastor Adeboye and RCCG are not responsible for the current challenges facing the nation.
• RCCG is not a political party.
• Pastor Adeboye does not hold political office and was not elected into government.
• RCCG is not the religious arm of any political party in Nigeria.
The full statement is published below
Pastor Adeboye Did Not Protest Against President Goodluck Jonathan’s Government
A false narrative has been circulating online, accompanied by a photograph of Pastor E.A. Adeboye holding a placard during a public walk. The image has repeatedly been misrepresented as evidence that Pastor Adeboye led or participated in a protest against the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
This claim is FALSE.
The photograph in question was taken during a peaceful nationwide walk held in response to a directive issued by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. Churches across Nigeria were instructed to hold peaceful walks after service, calling attention to the persistent killings of Christians and urging the government to take decisive action to protect lives.
The walk in Ebute Metta, where Pastor Adeboye participated, was part of that nationwide exercise. It was neither organized against President Goodluck Jonathan nor connected in any way to his administration.
Ironically, despite the significant media presence at the event when it took place, some of the same photographs have years later been recycled and falsely presented as evidence of a protest against a completely different government.
It is important to note that Pastor Adeboye’s message during the walk was clear: all lives matter to God. His placard emphasized the value of every human life, regardless of religious affiliation. The call was for the protection of innocent Nigerians, both Christians and Muslims.
Yes, Nigeria is facing enormous challenges, and citizens have every right to desire solutions. However, the growing demand that Pastor Adeboye should “command” the President or the First Lady on how to run the affairs of the nation is both unrealistic and unreasonable.
Pastor Adeboye is a clergyman, not the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Nevertheless, he has not remained silent.
During the November 2025 Holy Ghost Service, Pastor Adeboye publicly offered counsel to the President of Nigeria regarding the worsening security situation and the continued killing of innocent citizens by terrorists. He warned that urgent action was necessary before foreign powers found justification to intervene in Nigeria under the guise of combating terrorism.
He further advised that security chiefs should be given a clear ultimatum to decisively address the menace or vacate their positions.
In his words:
“When they eliminate the terrorists, ask them to eliminate their sponsors too.”
At 84 years old, Pastor Adeboye continues to provide spiritual leadership, moral counsel, and national guidance within the limits of his office as a minister of the Gospel.
For the avoidance of doubt:
• Pastor Adeboye cannot command the President or the First Lady on how to govern Nigeria.
• Pastor Adeboye and RCCG are not responsible for the current challenges facing the nation.
• RCCG is not a political party.
• Pastor Adeboye does not hold political office and was not elected into government.
• RCCG is not the religious arm of any political party in Nigeria.
Facts matter. Context matters. Truth matters.
Before sharing claims about Pastor E.A. Adeboye or The Redeemed Christian Church of God, verify them through RCCG’s official communication channels.
Follow @rccg_pr for accurate information and official statements.