Adeboye previously had a reputation for refraining from such critical activity. Some politicians rejoiced that he took a stand, noting that Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is a member of his congregation. “For [Adeboye] to stick his neck out, when the government respects him, will surely cause them to take notice,” said Gideon Para-Mallam, the Jos-based Africa ambassador for the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students. “That he—and others—would say, ‘We need to be a part of this,’ is significant.” Para-Mallam, who recently testified about sub-Saharan Christian persecution at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, noted other high-profile church leaders joined the march, including: Obed Dashan, council vice president of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), one of Nigeria’s largest denominations which claims 8 million members; Benjamin Kwashi, a Jos-based Anglican archbishop and general secretary of GAFCON; and Soja Bewarang, chairman of the heads of church denominations in Plateau state.
“They had to come out, because they are seeing bloodshed become a daily occurrence,” Ayokunle told CT. “The greater participation is due to a greater frustration.” CAN has frequently called out the government of President Muhammadu Buhari—and has been accused by Buhari’s administration of politicizing the issue.