The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has rejected claims linking a recent nationwide prayer programme to the Redeemed Christian Church of God or its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, describing the allegations as “false, misleading, and entirely baseless.”

Vanguard on Saturday stated that in a statement by the National Secretary of the fellowship, Bishop David Bakare, PFN said the initiative was conceived and executed solely under its authority.

According to Bakare: “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.”

He stressed that the exercise was fully controlled by the fellowship, adding: “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.”

Bakare noted that the final day of the programme coincided with Pentecost Sunday, describing it as a globally observed Christian event.

“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 said.

He added that an earlier proposal involving public processions and placards was suspended after security considerations.

The fellowship said it was satisfied with the outcome of the exercise, describing it as successful in mobilising prayers for the nation.

“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 called on Christians and Nigerians to reject misinformation and support unity, peace, and national progress.

Earlier in May, PFN announced a three-day nationwide fasting and prayer programme over worsening insecurity, bloodshed, economic hardship and rising concerns about Nigeria’s political future ahead of the 2027 elections.

The chairman of Kwara State chapter of the PFN, Rev. O.T. Opatola, after the fasting pleaded with political leaders across the country to shift attention from electoral ambitions to the urgent task of ending killings, banditry, and terrorism ravaging Nigeria. (Saturday PUNCH)