General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, yesterday said he would not endorse any presidential candidate because they were all like his “children”.
He said he was not beholden to any political party, saying politics was not his calling.
Adeboye spoke during the special monthly prayer and thanksgiving service at RCCG National Headquarters, Throne of Grace, Ebute-Meta, Lagos.
Responding to critics of the church’s establishment of a directorate of politics and governance, he told the congregation in a sermon broadcasted live to All RCCG parishes across the country, that they should not distract him from his role as a pastor.
Adeboye said: “Let me make it loud and clear. I am a pastor and I would never be a politician. I have never been and will never be.
“I am called to be a pastor. That is what God wants me to be. That is why I don’t carry a big title. He says to me clearly: you are to be a pastor.
“I am a pastor. I am not even a prophet. I only hear from Him once in a while. My assignment is to pray for you and pray for nations, including Nigeria. It has nothing to do with partisan politics. Don’t distract my attention.”
Adeboye said he had never campaigned for anyone or directed his members to vote for any candidate or join a particular political party.
“I have never told you this is the fellow you should vote for either in secret or the open.
“I have never said this is the party you should belong to. I will never say it. Why? Because every party is heavily represented in the church.
“If I vote for anyone, I will be unjust to every one of my children. I am the father of all and I like it that way,” he said.
Adeboye urged members to exercise their civic duties.
“All I am saying and I am saying it loud and clear: nobody is born a Christian. You are a Nigerian first. You have a duty to your country to register to vote and to make sure your vote will count.
