Posted by Chinenye on Thu 16th Jul, 2026 - tori.ng
Two presidential contenders have joined Nigerians in mourning the passing of a respected religious figure whose influence stretched beyond the church.
(Rev. William Okoye. Photo Credit: Punch News)
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, and his Social Democratic Party counterpart, Adewole Adebayo, have both mourned the death of Rev. Dr. William Okoye, founder of All Christians Fellowship Mission, describing him as a devoted servant of God whose life was centred on faith, integrity and national transformation.
Okoye, a former chaplain at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, died recently, drawing tributes from political, religious and public figures nationwide.
In a condolence message shared on his social media handle on Thursday, Obi described the late cleric as an elder brother whose ministry inspired countless people toward lives of purpose and righteousness.
He said he received news of Okoye's passing with deep sadness, noting that the cleric belonged to a rare breed of spiritual leaders who understood that true ministry is measured not by the size of one's platform but by the depth of its impact on people.
According to Obi, Okoye's teachings, leadership and personal example inspired many to embrace discipline, hope and integrity, and his death represents a significant loss to his family, the entire All Christians Fellowship Mission, the wider Body of Christ, and Nigeria at a time when the nation badly needs voices that unite, heal and inspire justice, peace and compassion.
Obi encouraged Nigerians to celebrate the late preacher's legacy of service and selflessness, saying that while mourning his passing, the values he lived by and the lives he transformed would continue to resonate for generations.
He prayed that Okoye's memory would inspire people to live selflessly, love sincerely and work faithfully toward building a just, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
Also paying tribute, SDP presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo described Okoye as one of Nigeria's distinguished Christian fathers whose ministry reached beyond denominational lines.
He said he received the news of Okoye's passing with profound sorrow, noting that Nigeria has lost a devoted Christian father whose life was dedicated to serving God, promoting unity within the Body of Christ, advancing righteousness, and pursuing the nation's moral transformation.
Adebayo described Okoye as a voice of truth, peace, justice and national reconciliation, whose commitment to nurturing leaders of character left a lasting legacy.
He extended condolences to the cleric's family, the All Christians Fellowship, the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, and Christians around the world, adding that while mourning his departure, there was also cause to celebrate a life devoted to faithful service to God and humanity.
He prayed that God would grant strength to the bereaved family, friends and church community to bear the loss and raise up faithful servants to continue Okoye's work.