For Immediate ReleaseApril 2, 2026
Nigerian Court Upholds the United Methodist Church of Nigeria by Nullifying Deregistration Filing
On March 30, 2026, a Federal High Court ruled in favor of The United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN), nullifying an attempt by a new denomination to unlawfully deregister our longstanding Church.
As previously shared, despite our hopes to settle matters outside the courts, in December 2024, we were compelled to file a lawsuit to recover the properties and assets of The United Methodist Church that were taken by former leaders who joined the Global Methodist Church. We also sought to retain our legal identity by preventing a name change request submitted to the Corporate Affairs Commission.
Today, we are grateful to the court for its commitment to ensure that truth and justice prevail. We are also grateful to Justice Obiora A. Egwuatu, the presiding judge, who declared that the deregistration was null and void, as the Corporate Affairs Commission failed to comply with the legal procedures for carrying out the change of name and board of trustees from UMCN to Global Methodist Church Nigeria (GMCN). The court ordered a reversal of all actions taken as “The Global Methodist Church in Nigeria does not exist in the eyes of the law, having not been duly registered in accordance with statutory provisions.”
We praise God for working through this situation and for blessing The United Methodist Church of Nigeria with provision and allowing us to go forth in ministry unburdened by these distractions and obstacles.
However, this is not a moment of celebration, but a moment for healing. It is time to mend what has been broken. I urge United Methodists and our fellow Christians to embrace dialogue going forward, emphasizing that reconciliation and peaceful engagement remain critical to the Church and the growth of God’s Kingdom.
Though enforcement of the court orders and recovery of assets lie ahead, let us move forward not in division, but in grace, humility, and love. We extend a hand of fellowship to our brothers and sisters who have left to join the Global Methodist Church, so that if they wish to return, they know that they are welcome. And if they choose to continue their journey elsewhere, we pray blessings upon them while remaining open to dialogue so that we may understand their needs and support them in peace and unity.
For more than 100 years, The United Methodist Church has made significant contributions towards the advancement of education, agriculture, rural developmental projects, medical work and social services in Nigeria. We are thankful that the closing of this court case allows us to return our full focus to making disciples for Jesus Christ while continuing humanitarian work and outreach to the Nigerian community.
It is Holy Week, a time to reflect on Christ’s death on the cross that saved us from sin and to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and the new life we find in Christ. As we close the chapter on this difficult case, we pray for God to rejuvenate and breathe new life into The UMCN. May United Methodists in Nigeria be emboldened to live faithfully and to seek to bring God glory in all that we do.
This Easter, as we celebrate our risen Prince of Peace, may we commit to being peacemakers and healers to our neighbors and a world in need of Christ’s great love.
Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel, Resident Bishop Nigeria Episcopal Area and the mission districts of Cameroon and Senegal
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Media Contact:
Rev. Filibus Bakari Auta, Director of Communications UMC Nigeria Episcopal Area
