The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), under the leadership of its President, Bishop Wale Oke, has called for the scrapping of the current 1999 Constitution, describing it as a biased “military contraption” that disproportionately favors Islam while sidelining Christianity.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Lagos on Thursday, Bishop Oke urged Nigerians to push for a brand-new, people-oriented constitution that truly reflects the will of the populace. He emphasized that the existing document begins with “We the people” in name only and fails to represent the nation’s diverse faiths equally.
“The current constitution is unacceptable,” Bishop Oke declared. “It mentions Sharia and Islam repeatedly but makes no reference to the church or Christians even once. This ignores over 50 percent of Nigerians who are Christians. We reject it in totality. Nigeria is a secular nation, not an Islamic one. We demand either a neutral constitution that avoids mentioning any religion or one that treats all faiths equitably.”
Bishop Oke stressed the need for a fair framework ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against the current wave of premature politicking that distracts from effective governance.
He criticized the early campaigning across all levels of government, saying governance has been sidelined in favor of politics. “Let’s govern first,” he urged. “INEC should regulate when campaigns begin properly. Using this time for politicking instead of addressing the suffering of Nigerians is unfair.”
The PFN reiterated its support for electoral integrity, backing real-time electronic transmission of election results to ensure votes count and build public trust in the system.
On security, which Bishop Oke identified as the nation’s most pressing issue, he commended the federal government’s efforts, including changes in military leadership, the appointment of a new defense minister, and partnerships with the United States for training, equipment, and expertise. However, he called for intensified action against persistent violence, citing recent killings and kidnappings in Benue, Kwara, Southern Kaduna, and attacks on churches.
“These evil elements are not relenting,” he said. “The government must double its efforts to make the nation safe. We thank America for its support in stopping the killing of innocent citizens.”
The PFN also opposed calls for the removal of the INEC chairman over his views on national issues, affirming his right as a citizen to contribute to discourse.
The body advocated for direct funding to local governments to improve infrastructure, roads, electricity, and water at the grassroots level, while urging policy reviews to make them more people-friendly amid widespread hunger and hardship.
The fellowship strongly condemned reported coup plots, describing them as outdated and unacceptable. “We unanimously reject any attempt to forcefully change the government,” Bishop Oke stated. “Coup plotters should face the full wrath of the law as a deterrent. We want democracy to thrive through credible elections that produce good leaders, not through violence.”
Reaffirming PFN’s nonpartisan position, Bishop Oke said the organization would not allow its pulpits to be used for political campaigns or endorsements, as its members span all parties. He highlighted the PFN’s humanitarian work, including relief to internally displaced persons (IDPs), support for orphans, and aid to insecurity victims.
Throughout the address, Bishop Oke offered prayers for President Tinubu, governors, the judiciary, National Assembly, and the nation at large, expressing hope for solutions to emerge from ongoing efforts.
