General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adeboye, has denied widespread media report that he spoke with the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, on behalf of Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.
Mr Ambode’s ambition for a second term in office is under challenge from Chief Executive Officer of Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Commissioner for Works and Infrastructural Development, Obafemi Hamzat.
A weekend newspaper had reported that Tinubu told Adeboye during the purported telephone conversation that he could not decide the Lagos APC governorship candidate for the 2019 elections because his hands were tied.
Tinubu was quoted as saying: “Sir, people have been accusing me of imposition.
They say I imposed candidates at will. That’s why I said all aspirants including the governor to get to the field and test their popularity among the people in an open contest of direct primaries.
“Sir, my hands are tied on his matter, I cannot ask those who have picked the expression of interest and nomination forms to withdraw or not contest. That will be greatly unfair.
“We will ensure a level-playing ground for all the governorship aspirants including the incumbent governor.”
The RCCG has, however, denied that Adeboye held such conversation with Tinubu.
The statement posted on the church’s Facebook page on Sunday reads: “Our attention has been drawn to news making the rounds from dailies especially the New Telegraph Pastor E.A Adeboye, the General Overseer of the RCCG had a recent phone conversation with the Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
“We would like to inform the general public that this is false and Pastor E.A Adeboye has not and would not be involved in inter /intraparty politics in Nigeria and anywhere RCCG is present across the world.
“Pastor E.A Adeboye advices all well-meaning Nigerians just like him to get their PVC’s and exercise their civic duty.
“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Tinubu’s wife, Oluremi Tinubu, was recently ordained a minister of the RCCG.
