The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has refuted claims circulating in some quarters regarding the political stance of its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, his alleged involvement in calling off a planned protest, and accusations that he has remained silent on issues affecting Nigeria.
In a statement released on Tuesday on the RCCG Official Public Relations X handle, the Church clarified that Pastor Adeboye has consistently encouraged RCCG members to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in the electoral process by voting for candidates of their choice.
According to the Church, Pastor Adeboye has maintained a neutral position regarding political parties, emphasizing that RCCG members belong to different political affiliations and should exercise their civic rights responsibly.
Addressing reports that Pastor Adeboye called off a planned protest, the Church described the claim as false.
It explained that the cleric merely communicated the directive of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria concerning an adjustment to the activities of a three-day prayer programme. The revised arrangement, according to the statement, involved holding the grand finale at a centralised venue and organising a rally around the venue.
The RCCG noted that the directive originated from the PFN and was communicated to all churches under its umbrella across Nigeria.
The Church also dismissed allegations that Pastor Adeboye intentionally remains silent on developments in the country.
It stated that the cleric has, on several occasions, publicly addressed issues including insecurity, corruption, economic hardship, elections, governance, and the need for righteous leadership.
The statement, however, noted that Pastor Adeboye often approaches such matters through moral guidance, prayer, and counsel rather than partisan political engagement or confrontation.
The RCCG stressed that neither Pastor Adeboye nor the Church should be defined by what it described as false narratives and inaccurate representations.
It further urged members of the public to rely on the Church’s designated communication channels and authorised representatives for information relating to Pastor Adeboye and the RCCG.
According to the Church, any claim that has not been communicated, verified, or endorsed through its official communication platforms should not be regarded as an official position of the RCCG.
The statement also called on bloggers, commentators, media organisations, and content publishers to uphold the principles of responsible journalism by verifying information before publication.
It emphasised that accuracy and fact-checking are essential in reporting matters concerning Pastor Adeboye and the Church, warning against the spread of speculation and unverified claims.
The RCCG maintained that the public deserves truthful information, the Church deserves fair representation, and Pastor Adeboye deserves accurate reporting.
The Church concluded by urging the public to verify information before believing or sharing it, reiterating that truth and accuracy should remain paramount in public discourse.
“Verify before you believe. Fact-check before you publish. Truth matters,” the statement said.
