Pastor Adeboye Did Not Protest Against Goodluck Jonathan’s Government, RCCG Insists

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has debunked claims circulating on social media that its General Overseer, Enoch Adeboye, participated in a protest against the administration of former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a statement issued by RCCG, the church described the claim as false and misleading, explaining that the widely shared photograph of Pastor Adeboye holding a placard was taken during a peaceful nationwide prayer walk organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on February 2, 2020.

According to the church, the prayer walk was conducted during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and was aimed at drawing attention to the growing insecurity in the country, particularly the killing of Christians and other innocent Nigerians.

RCCG explained that churches across Nigeria participated in the exercise following a directive from Christian Association of Nigeria, urging the government to take decisive measures to protect lives and property.

The church noted that Pastor Adeboye’s participation in the prayer walk at Ebute Metta, Lagos, was part of the nationwide initiative and had no connection whatsoever with the administration of Goodluck Jonathan.

“It was neither organized against President Goodluck Jonathan nor connected in any way to his administration,” the statement emphasized.

RCCG further lamented that photographs from the event, which received significant media coverage at the time, have been recycled years later and falsely presented as evidence of a protest against a different government.

The church stressed that Pastor Adeboye’s message during the walk centered on the sanctity of human life and the need for authorities to protect all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation.

According to RCCG, the cleric’s placard reflected the belief that every life matters to God and that both Christians and Muslims deserve protection from violence and insecurity.

The statement also addressed criticisms from some quarters demanding that Pastor Adeboye directly confront political leaders over the nation’s challenges.

RCCG maintained that while Nigerians are justified in seeking solutions to the country’s problems, expecting the cleric to command the President or the First Lady on matters of governance is unrealistic.

“Pastor Adeboye is a clergyman, not the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” the statement noted.

The church, however, pointed out that Pastor Adeboye has consistently spoken on national issues. It cited remarks he made during the November 2025 Holy Ghost Service, where he publicly advised the Nigerian government to urgently tackle worsening insecurity and terrorist activities.

During the service, the respected cleric reportedly warned that continued violence could attract foreign intervention under the pretext of combating terrorism. He also urged the government to hold security chiefs accountable and ensure decisive action against terrorists and their sponsors.

RCCG reiterated that Pastor Adeboye, despite being 84 years old, continues to provide spiritual leadership and moral guidance while operating within the responsibilities of his office as a minister of the Gospel.

The church further clarified that RCCG is not a political party, does not hold any political office, and is not affiliated with any political organization in Nigeria.

It urged members of the public to verify information through official RCCG communication channels before sharing claims involving Pastor Adeboye or the church.
“Facts matter. Context matters. Truth matters,” the statement concluded.

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