PFN Demands End to Political Killings and Terror Across Nigeria

ABUJA — The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has called on political leaders at all levels to take urgent action to end the alarming rate of political killings, banditry, and terrorism across the country. The PFN made the demand in a statement released on Monday as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections.

PFN President Bishop Francis Wale Oke said the organisation is deeply troubled by the pattern of violence that targets political opponents, community leaders, and ordinary citizens across different parts of Nigeria. He said the church cannot remain silent while bloodshed is being used as a political tool.

“We are calling on political leaders, security agencies, and all Nigerians of goodwill to stand against violence in all its forms. Political killings, banditry, and terrorism are not problems that will solve themselves. Leadership must act decisively,” Oke said in the statement.

The PFN specifically mentioned recent incidents of targeted killings of political figures in Rivers, Benue, Anambra, and Imo states. The organisation also cited the persistent attacks by armed groups in the northwest and northeast as evidence of a security environment that threatens Nigeria’s democratic future.

Church and Politics

The PFN’s intervention reflects the growing willingness of Nigerian religious organisations to speak directly on political and security matters. As one of the country’s largest umbrella bodies for Pentecostal churches, its voice carries significant moral weight across millions of Nigerian Christians.

Religious leaders have historically played important roles in Nigerian political transitions. During periods of national crisis, appeals from church leaders often carry more public credibility than those from political parties or government officials. The PFN’s statement is timed to influence public expectations ahead of the 2027 election cycle.

In addition, the PFN called on INEC to ensure that the 2027 elections are free, fair, and credible. The organisation said a flawed election process typically breeds post-election violence. It pledged to mobilise its members for civic education and voter registration exercises across Nigeria.

Security Agencies Respond

The Nigeria Police Force acknowledged the PFN’s concerns in a brief statement. A police spokesperson said the force is committed to protecting all citizens and will not allow political violence to undermine democratic processes. The spokesperson said additional intelligence-led operations are being conducted in states with elevated security risks.

Civil society groups echoed the PFN’s call. The Transition Monitoring Group said political killings, particularly in Rivers State and parts of the southeast, are creating a culture of impunity that must be broken before the 2027 campaigns begin in earnest.

The PFN said it will hold a national prayer summit for Nigeria’s security and democracy in June 2026. All member churches across Nigeria will be mobilised to participate. The organisation said prayer and advocacy together are its primary tools for engaging Nigeria’s political crisis.