Cleric Debunks Allegation of Self-Imposition as UMCN Episcopal Bishop in December 2026

By Andrew Ojih, Jalingo.

The Dean of Cabinet of the Southern Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMCN) Rev Philip Micah Dopah on Saturday debunked allegations that he was positioning himself to be the next Episcopal Bishop of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria.

Dopah who stated this during a world press conference in Jalingo, said that his decision to get into the race followed several calls from decision makers of the UMCN.

He noted that it is a fallacy for some members of the Church to mislead the Church that he insisted to contest for the position of Bishop come December, 2026.

He asked those spreading falsehood against him to plead for mercy and repent to enable them see the glory of God in heaven.

“Even my Biological parents through whom I came into this world did not bring me into this ministry, but if God called me into this ministry to serve him, who I am to say no,” he said.

“When the Conference and the Church policy allowed me to answer the call into this higher position, who I am to say no”

He informed that those calling on him to stepaside from the Episcopal Bishop race come December seem to be ignorance of the policy of the Church.

He maintained that guidelines of the Church allowed someone, organisations, major bodies of the Church to call for the endorsement of who they felt and lead by the spirit of God to avail he or herself for the position of the Bishop.

“I consider those that are calling for my stepping aside as enemies of the Church and lovers of darkness.

“On the 24th of July, 2026, having received call from notable bodies, board of ordained ministry and board of laity, I made a public acceptance to the call and also the endorsement made by the board of laity of our Conference and board of ordained ministry of our Conference, women of our Conference, men of our Conference, youth adults, and youth Forum of our Conference pleaded to me to playfully consider myself for the position of Bishop come December, 2026” he informed.