The National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Archbishop Wale Oke, is facing growing opposition to his potential re-election as some senior members of the organization voice their concerns over his leadership and its impact on the group’s progress.
Oke, who was first elected in 2023 for a two-year term, is set to face re-election at the PFN’s biennial conference scheduled for February 2025.
However, his critics argue that his time in office has seen a decline in the Fellowship’s dynamism, especially when compared to the energetic leadership of previous PFN presidents such as Archbishop Benson Idahosa, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, and Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, who left behind strong legacies of influence.
Reports reveal that the PFN, Nigeria’s largest Christian organization, includes influential churches like the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), and Deeper Life Bible Church. Additionally, it plays a crucial role as a prominent member of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Despite this stature, several senior leaders have expressed concerns that the PFN has lost its momentum under Oke's leadership, citing limited engagement on national issues and a lack of press statements or media activities. One senior leader explained to Vanguard, “This is a critical period for Nigeria, yet the PFN has remained largely silent on national issues under Oke’s leadership. There have been few press statements, media engagements, or impactful programs, leaving the Fellowship’s influence significantly weakened.”
The leadership struggles within the organization became especially apparent when the Lagos PFN branch was reported to have operated without clear direction for an entire year, which some attributed to a lack of oversight from the national leadership. This situation further ignited dissatisfaction among the leaders, as it highlighted a growing disconnect between the national leadership and local chapters.
Tensions further escalated when Mama Margaret Idahosa, Archbishop of the Church of God Mission, publicly criticized Oke for failing to honor a promise he had made. Her comments were made during the 70th birthday celebration of Bishop David Oyedepo, where notable figures such as Pastor E.A. Adeboye and former President Olusegun Obasanjo were in attendance. In her speech, she remarked, “Wale Oke, I have forgiven everything because he promised me and he did not come… but he is all under the lamb.” These words resonated with other PFN leaders who echoed similar frustrations about Oke’s unfulfilled commitments, further intensifying the desire for change within the Fellowship.
As discontent continues to rise, pressure mounts within the PFN for a shift in leadership. Despite the growing calls for change, it remains uncertain whether a clear challenger to Oke’s re-election has emerged, or if a consensus candidate is in the works to challenge his leadership moving forward.