Leaked Memo: RCCG Clarifies creation of political department

13 Mar Leaked Memo: RCCG Clarifies creation of political department

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has clarified its memo on the creation of a “political department in the church, with the objective to help coordinate the engagement of our people who are willing to be involved in politics as well as mobilise support for them.”

The memo, which leaked online, came as political parties and politicians gear up for electioneering campaigns ahead of the 2023 general election.

RCCG Spokesperson, Pastor Olaitan Olubiyi, has explained that the directive existed long ago and is targeting at getting people involved in politics.

“There is nothing connecting Osinbajo with the directorate; RCCG has been mobilising, creating political awareness long since transition from military to civil rule. RCCG has made it a policy to educate its members on political education – get voter cards, no violence.

“The directorate has nothing to do with Osinbajo or anybody. I don’t know why people are linking something the church has been doing, which every organisation should be doing, to him”, he said.

Meanwhile the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has thrown its weight behind the directorate. The Director, National Directorate of Politics and Governance of the, Pastor Femi Emmanuel, termed the move by RCCG as an answered prayer and not support for any political candidate.

In a statement on Saturday, Emmanuel, who doubles as the Lead Pastor of Livingspring Chapel International, said, “This appointment of the RCCG is not in support of any Political candidate at all. We asked for it. I trust other fathers and leaders of the faith would soon follow suit.

“Let no one read any negative or ulterior motives to the memo from RCCG. This is at our request and it is an answered prayer for us in DPG. This is what we have been asking our GOs to do since.  Many more will do so soon as we are in consultation with them.

“PFN/DPG is still at the level of building a grassroots base. We are still far from presenting candidates. Anyone talking of presenting candidates at this point does not know politics. Politics is at the grassroots. You can’t present candidates when you are not at the grassroots. You are at the back of the fence politically speaking.