The National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has cautioned that the stability and democratic integrity of the nation depend on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remaining strictly non-partisan ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Bishop Oke delivered the warning while speaking with newsmen during the 38th Annual Convention of Agape Christian Ministries International, held from August 2 to August 9, 2026, at Possibility Ground, 1 Agape Avenue in Akure, Ondo State.
Addressing the press, the PFN leader stressed the imperative of keeping the electoral referee free from political interference and bias as the nation prepares for its next general election cycle.
”INEC is a government functionary. It is not part of any political party. INEC is to regulate all political parties and to conduct elections, not to take sides with any,” Bishop Oke stated. “We are demanding that for the exercise of our civil rights, INEC does not partake in partisan politics. The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy hangs in the balance.”
The cleric also charged the Federal Government to take decisive security measures against religious fundamentalism, urging authorities to “come down hard” on religious extremists attempting to transform Nigeria into a caliphate state.
On political governance and political nominations ahead of 2027, Bishop Oke advised political parties to abandon religious and ethnic cards in favor of competence and equity:
He reiterated that political parties must ensure balanced representation on presidential tickets (a Christian-Muslim or Muslim-Christian pairing) to reflect the country’s pluralistic nature. Leadership selection should prioritize track record, capability, and national unity over sectional sentiments.
Addressing internal church affairs during the interaction, Bishop Oke also clarified that ecclesiastical titles such as “Archbishop” represent institutional wisdom and administrative order rather than unbiblical practices.
