Allegations of interference and partiality have unsettled Nigeria’s major Christian bodies, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), following the cancellation of a planned mega crusade in Akwa Ibom State.
Reverend Yinka Yusuf, lead pastor of Household of Love Churches, announced on Friday that his “Uyo One Million Crusade,” scheduled for February 9–15, had been cancelled. He alleged that CAN and PFN pressured him to reschedule the programme to avoid a clash with another crusade and influenced the Akwa Ibom State Government to withdraw approval for the use of Ibom Hall, despite payments already made.
Yusuf claimed he had spent over ₦43 million on logistics and publicity and apologised to thousands of foreign evangelists he said were invited for the event. CAN and PFN have not publicly confirmed the allegations. While CAN officials declined comment, PFN’s National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, said the national leadership was unaware of the matter and pledged to investigate, stressing that PFN does not block evangelistic activities.
In a rebuttal, the Akwa Ibom State Government denied acting on religious pressure, accusing Yusuf of making inflammatory remarks about the state and its people. In a statement by Information Commissioner Aniekan Umanah, the government said the withdrawal of approval was based on concerns over due process and alleged hate speech, demanding proof of Yusuf’s claims and a public apology.
The controversy has reignited criticism of PFN by some clerics, including Rev. Isaac Omolehin, who accused the fellowship of undermining evangelical work and called for regulatory scrutiny.
