“Pastor Adeboye did not protest against President Jonathan” — Apostle Suleman

Apostle Johnson Suleman has defended the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adeboye, amid renewed criticism over his past involvement in a nationwide prayer walk, while also commenting on Nigeria’s worsening socio-political conditions.

Suleman clarifies Adeboye’s participation in PFN directive

In a viral video, Suleman dismissed claims that Adeboye engaged in political protest during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan or under President Bola Tinubu.

He insisted the event was not a protest but a religious assignment issued by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).

He said: “There are some people who are attacking Daddy G.O that he protested under Jonathan, he’s not protesting under Tinubu.”

Suleman explained that church leaders were only responding to a collective directive, adding that it was strictly a spiritual exercise.

“It was a prayer walk, not a protest” — Suleman

He further clarified the nature of the event, stressing that Adeboye’s participation was within the framework of PFN instructions.

According to him: “It was PFN that issued that all preachers, all pastors should go for a prayer walk… it was not protest, he said we should go for a prayer walk.”

Suleman maintained that Adeboye acted in line with ecclesiastical authority, noting that senior pastors remain under denominational and fellowship structures regardless of age.

He added: “He’s under the PFN… he took his placard and said ‘All lives matter’ and went around and went for that prayer walk.”

Response to criticism of church leadership

Reacting to criticism that Adeboye should be more vocal or active in protests, Suleman questioned such expectations, particularly given the cleric’s age.

He stated: “You said a man of 84 years should come and protest. Something is wrong with your head.”

He also defended the autonomy of religious leadership decisions, insisting that instructions within the PFN guide collective actions.

On silence, speaking out, and accountability

Suleman further addressed claims that senior religious leaders are silent on national issues, saying their public engagement is often misunderstood.

He said: “If he is in support, why has he not called me? If he’s in support, why has he not called me to talk?”

He also stressed his independence in speaking on national matters, adding: “I spoke against Jonathan, I spoke against Buhari, I’ve been speaking against… from Babangida.”

Comments on Nigeria’s situation

The cleric used the opportunity to criticise Nigeria’s leadership and worsening hardship, describing the situation as severe.

He said: “Nigerians always look for who to blame and they always blame the wrong people. That’s the problem.”

He added: “It has never been this bad… in those days we would struggle for food, now we are seeing our life.”

He further criticised governance, stating: “This government… it’s a deaf and dumb government. They are deaf and dumb.”

Call for perspective and accountability

Suleman concluded by urging Nigerians to focus on accountability and systemic issues rather than personal blame, insisting that responsibility lies with governance structures rather than isolated individuals.

Watch the video here…

“Adeboye did not protest against Jonathan’s government” — Apostle Suleman pic.twitter.com/M6XSgxVubC

— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) June 3, 2026