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Crisis: Pastor Adeboye’s Church Receives Backlash Over Tinubu-Branded Bus Amid Ongoing Attacks on Christian Communities
A video circulating online showing members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) praying over and commissioning a white bus bearing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” slogan has sparked widespread criticism among Nigerian Christians.
In the footage, congregants are seen treating the vehicle as a spiritual asset, offering prayers and dedicating it in a manner typically reserved for church property or perceived divine provisions. Reports indicate the bus was obtained through a government empowerment initiative or a donation linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at one of the church’s branches.
The development has drawn sharp reactions, with many questioning what they view as a growing closeness between the church leadership, particularly Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and the current administration. Critics argue that praying over a politically branded item sends a troubling message about the church’s independence.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time, as Christian communities in parts of northern and north-central Nigeria continue to grapple with deadly attacks. States such as Plateau, Benue, Southern Kaduna, and Taraba have witnessed repeated violence, with victims largely drawn from farming communities. Advocacy groups and human rights organisations have consistently raised concerns over what they describe as inadequate government response to the crisis.
For many observers, the imagery of a church celebrating a branded bus contrasts sharply with the ongoing mourning in affected regions. The juxtaposition has intensified frustration among those who believe religious institutions should be more vocal in addressing insecurity.
Some critics have also pointed to what they perceive as a reduced level of public advocacy from prominent Christian leaders under the current administration, compared to previous governments. They interpret the bus dedication as a sign of possible political alignment or compromise.
One widely shared reaction captured the sentiment, stating that while communities face violence, attention appears to be shifting toward political symbolism within religious spaces.
However, others have defended the church, arguing that accepting donations for ministry purposes does not necessarily equate to endorsing a political party. They note that religious organisations often receive support from various sources and that such contributions can be used for legitimate operational needs. Supporters also emphasise that RCCG is a vast organisation with numerous branches, and actions at a single location may not reflect the official stance of the entire church.
Despite these arguments, critics maintain that the issue goes beyond the donation itself. They point to the political branding, the timing, and the manner of presentation as factors that blur the boundary between religious practice and political messaging.
The situation highlights an ongoing debate within Nigeria’s Christian community about how the church should relate to political authority. While some advocate for strict independence and a prophetic role that challenges power, others believe engagement with political actors is necessary to secure influence and resources.
The incident has also fueled speculation about early positioning ahead of the 2027 elections, with suggestions that political actors may be leveraging religious platforms to build support among voters.
As reactions continue to unfold, many Nigerian Christians are closely observing how religious institutions navigate their role in a period marked by both political activity and persistent security challenges. The broader implications, analysts suggest, will depend on whether the church is seen as standing with vulnerable communities or aligning with those in power.
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Tension erupted in Edjeba community in Warri, Delta State, on Sunday after a group of traditional masqueraders and accompanying youths allegedly attacked a branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), leaving six worshippers injured, including the pastor.
The incident reportedly occurred around 10 a.m. on April 19, 2026, shortly after the conclusion of Sunday service at the RCCG Edjeba Shell Gate branch.
According to eyewitness accounts, the church’s presiding pastor, identified as Barrister Albert, was preparing to leave the premises with his family when a procession of masqueraders passed in front of the church.
A witness said the situation escalated after an alleged attempt by one of the masqueraders to assault female members of the congregation.
“The pastor tried to intervene and stop the masquerader from touching the girls. That was when the situation turned violent,” the witness said.
The source added that the confrontation quickly escalated into an attack on the pastor and other church members who attempted to intervene.
During the incident, six worshippers sustained injuries of varying severity, with three reportedly in critical condition and receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
The attackers were also said to have damaged parts of the church property during the unrest.
Residents and church leaders in Warri have called on the Delta State Government and security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
Community members also noted that Edjeba has experienced recent cases of violence, including previous allegations of assaults linked to masquerader groups and a separate reported attack on a young man in the area.
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Residents of Hadejia in Jigawa State are preparing to commemorate the historic 1906 resistance against colonial rule with a two-day event scheduled for April 24 and 25 in Hadejia town.
The announcement was made by the Chairman of the Organising Committee and Galadiman Hadejia, Alhaji Usman Abdul’aziz, during a press briefing.
He said the commemoration is intended to preserve cultural heritage, promote courage, and reinforce the historical identity of the Hadejia people.
According to him, the event recalls a major confrontation in 1906 during colonial rule, which reportedly claimed the lives of over 800 Hadejia warriors, including the then Emir, Alhaji Muhammad Mai Shahada. He also noted that British forces suffered casualties, including their commanding officer.
Alhaji Abdul’aziz outlined activities planned for the programme, which include guided visits to historical sites connected to the event.
He also confirmed that a book documenting the historical incident will be officially unveiled during the commemoration. The publication was authored by the late Professor Haruna Wakili alongside other historians.
The event is expected to draw historians, traditional leaders, and members of the community as part of efforts to preserve the memory of the 1906 resistance.
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The Founder and General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, has urged the Federal Government to scrap the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), describing the process as burdensome for students.
Apostle Chinyere made the call on Sunday during a sermon at the international headquarters of the church in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he questioned the relevance of the current tertiary admission system.
He argued that multiple stages of assessment, including WAEC, UTME, and post-UTME, place excessive pressure on candidates and often force them to repeat the process if they fail to meet admission requirements.
“In Nigeria, you will write WAEC; after WAEC, you will write JAMB; after JAMB, you will write post-UTME; then you wait for the school cut-off mark and departmental cut-off mark. If you don’t meet it, you wait another year, register for JAMB again, and start afresh. It is very frustrating,” he said.
The cleric also said JAMB has become less relevant, arguing that universities still conduct additional screening after the UTME.
“JAMB has lost its relevance because universities still organise their own entrance examinations after UTME,” he added.
Apostle Chinyere further raised concerns about the 6:30 a.m. examination schedule, saying it exposes candidates to safety risks and additional costs, particularly for those required to travel long distances.
“Sometimes I wonder why JAMB fixes exams for 6:30 a.m. Do you know that for all my adopted children under OPM scholarships going for JAMB, I have to give them extra money to pay for hotels?” he said.
He explained that many candidates are forced to lodge near exam centres due to early morning timings and distant postings, which he said increases financial strain on families and sponsors.
“They cannot travel safely that early, so they have to stay overnight in hotels close to their centres. This creates additional financial pressure,” he stated.
The OPM founder also criticised the allocation of candidates to faraway centres, arguing that it heightens security concerns. He referenced reports of the reported abduction of UTME candidates in Benue State, describing it as troubling.
“I saw something on social media that 12 people who went to write JAMB in Benue State were kidnapped. It is really very unfortunate,” he said.
Comparing Nigeria’s system with admission processes abroad, he said some countries use more flexible approaches that do not rely on a single central examination.
“If you want to get admission into universities outside Nigeria, you don’t need JAMB. You apply to the university, they send you an unconditional letter of offer, and when fees are paid, a conditional offer follows after verification of results. They won’t ask you to write JAMB,” he explained.
He warned that the current system could contribute to an increase in out-of-school youths due to repeated admission setbacks.
Apostle Chinyere added that his organisation has sponsored educational scholarships for underprivileged Nigerians for over 15 years, stressing the need for reforms that improve access to higher education…….Continue Reading
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