By Uzo Ugwunze—
The National Leader of The Church of God Ministry Incorporated (CGM) and Chairman of the National Church Council, Evangelist Professor Uzochukwu Solomon Nwanonyuo, has urged Christian leaders and believers across Nigeria to remain steadfast in their faith and uphold the doctrines of the Holy Scriptures.
Professor Nwanonyuo expressed deep concern over the growing influence of unbiblical practices within certain churches, warning that numerous activities have strayed far from fundamental Christian principles.
The prelate made these remarks while addressing journalists following the Golden Jubilee celebrations of The Church of God Ministry Inc., which took place from Friday, 23rd October to Sunday, 25th October 2026, at the National Headquarters located at 7A New Cemetery Road, Onitsha, Anambra State, under the theme *”A Legacy of Faith, A Future of Hope.”*
Lamenting that some religious institutions are increasingly accommodating occultic and satanic practices, Professor Nwanonyuo cautioned that this trend undermines the spiritual integrity of the Church and exposes worshippers to influences contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ. He called upon church leaders to protect the faith from compromise, external social pressures, and undue political interference.
Addressing the role of ministers, bishops, and other religious leaders in governance, Professor Nwanonyuo warned against utilising the clergy to advance partisan agendas. He urged ministers to maintain political neutrality and refrain from using their positions to dictate members’ voting preferences.
“Church leaders are representatives of Christ and must demonstrate holiness, righteousness, and integrity in their conduct,” he stated, stressing that spiritual leaders should never compromise their responsibilities for political favour.
Citing the biblical instruction of Jesus Christ to *”Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s,”* he maintained that voting is a matter of individual conscience. Citizens, he added, should assess the performance of public officeholders and decide their fate through the ballot box.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Professor Nwanonyuo called on politicians and citizens to embrace peace and unity. He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free, fair, and credible polls, while cautioning against violence, intimidation, and do-or-die politics.
Earlier in his welcome address, Professor Nwanonyuo reflected on the 50-year journey as a testament to divine grace and preservation. He traced the church’s origins to 1976, when early believers—led by Pastor Fabian Dozie Obiadi and others—separated from Sabbath white-garment churches over doctrinal concerns. Initially known as the Evangelical Church of God, the movement expanded from Onitsha across multiple Nigerian states.
Highlighting administrative achievements since taking office in 2020, the National Council Chairman pointed to major reforms, including the modernisation of the national headquarters into a two-storey edifice, the commencement of a campground project, and the broader expansion of evangelism.
Echoing these sentiments, the Senior Pastor and Board of Trustees Chairman, Pastor Fabian Dozie Obiadi, encouraged young ministers to remain prayerful, disciplined, and steadfast in their calling. Founding elder Barrister Anthony Anonyuo also expressed gratitude to God for the ministry’s survival and growth over the past five decades.
