FCT Minister cautions religious leaders on partisanship

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has cautioned religious leaders against partisan political engagement, arguing that consistently negative criticism of the government undermines their credibility. Wike made the remarks during his monthly media chat on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, specifically addressing recent comments by Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Abuja.

Wike stated he had no objection to religious leaders critiquing government policies but insisted such criticism should be balanced with acknowledgment of areas where an administration has performed well. He accused Cardinal Onaiyekan of maintaining a consistently critical stance toward President Bola Tinubu's administration. The minister asserted that the cardinal's political preferences are widely known, alleging that Onaiyekan and other religious leaders openly took sides during the 2023 general elections and are positioning themselves similarly ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.

The controversy stems from a closed-door meeting between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria on July 28. Following the meeting, Cardinal Onaiyekan disclosed that...