RCCG: Adeboye neutral, not responsible for Nigeria’s problems

RCCG has defended Pastor Enoch Adeboye against criticism over insecurity and economic hardship in Nigeria, insisting he is not a political officeholder, has remained politically neutral, and has consistently spoken on national issues through prayer, counsel, and moral guidance.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has pushed back strongly against growing criticism directed at its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and economic hardship.

In statements reported by Peoples Gazette and Vanguard on Tuesday, the church argued that many Nigerians are placing unrealistic expectations on the respected cleric by demanding that he directly influence or dictate government policies.

According to RCCG, Pastor Adeboye is a spiritual leader, not a political officeholder or the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The church stressed that while citizens have every right to demand solutions to the country’s challenges, holding Adeboye responsible for government decisions is misplaced.

“Pastor Adeboye and RCCG are not responsible for the current challenges facing the nation,” the church said, adding that RCCG is not a political party and its leader was never elected into public office.

The church also addressed allegations that Adeboye campaigned for the current administration. RCCG maintained that the cleric has always remained politically neutral, encouraging members to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and vote according to their convictions rather than endorsing specific candidates or parties.

Responding to claims that the pastor has remained silent on national issues, RCCG insisted that Adeboye has repeatedly spoken about insecurity, corruption, governance, elections, and economic difficulties. However, his interventions have typically come in the form of prayers, moral guidance, and counsel rather than direct political confrontation.

The church further clarified reports that Adeboye once called off a planned protest, explaining that he merely relayed directives from the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) regarding adjustments to a prayer programme and rally.

In its message, RCCG urged bloggers, commentators, media organisations, and members of the public to verify information concerning the church and its leader through official communication channels before presenting such claims as facts.

The response comes amid renewed public debate over the role of influential religious leaders in speaking out on governance, security, and economic issues affecting millions of Nigerians.