Bishop Wale Oke, National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), has issued a warning that Nigeria’s stability in 2027 depends on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) maintaining strict neutrality. Addressing attendees at the 38th annual convention of Agape Christian Ministries in Akure, Ondo State, the bishop emphasized that INEC must function as an impartial regulator rather than an extension of any political faction.
The cleric cautioned politicians against utilizing ethnic or religious rhetoric during the lead-up to the 2027 elections. He advocated for balanced representation, suggesting that presidential tickets should feature both Muslim and Christian candidates to reflect Nigeria’s secular nature. According to Bishop Oke, the nation’s survival requires leadership rooted in competence rather than divisive identity politics.
Regarding national security, the PFN president urged the government to take aggressive action against extremists attempting to impose a caliphate through violence. He condemned acts such as kidnapping and murder carried out in the name of religion, labeling them as criminal activities that should be prosecuted regardless of the perpetrator’s faith. He encouraged religious communities to assist law enforcement by identifying and reporting radical elements.
Finally, Bishop Oke addressed questions regarding hierarchical church titles such as ‘Archbishop,’ clarifying that while not explicitly named in scripture, they serve as essential administrative tools for managing the growth of religious organizations. He explained that these titles represent organizational wisdom rather than unbiblical practices, noting that structure is necessary to maintain order in expanding institutions.
