Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has questioned the neutrality of Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, alleging that the senior cleric openly aligned with a political camp during the 2023 general election.
Wike made the remarks on Tuesday during a media chat while responding to recent comments by Cardinal Onaiyekan following President Bola Tinubu’s meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).
The cardinal had reportedly expressed concern that some of the President’s advisers were painting an overly optimistic picture of the country and suggested that attention was already shifting toward preparations for the 2027 general election.
Reacting, Wike argued that public commentary from influential religious figures should reflect balance and fairness, warning that consistent criticism of government without acknowledging positive developments could undermine perceptions of impartiality.
According to the FCT minister, public confidence in such interventions diminishes when religious leaders are seen as taking political positions.
“If a religious leader is perceived or seen to be taking a side, which is very clear, it is very difficult for people to begin to see those comments as being helpful,” Wike said.
“I am aware of the position of Cardinal Onaiyekan; all of us know, it’s not hidden, whom he supports; everybody knows that.”
Wike maintained that constructive criticism remains important in a democratic society but stressed that governments should also receive recognition for policies and programmes that produce tangible results.
“It’s not every time you say things are bad; nobody has heard you say government has done this well,” he stated.
“The point I am trying to make is that, as a leader, commend government when government has done well in certain areas; criticise government and say, look, you have done this well, but you should improve in these other areas.”
He argued that when public figures focus exclusively on the shortcomings of an administration while overlooking its achievements, it is understandable for government officials to view such criticism as politically driven.
Responding to suggestions that the Catholic bishops’ interventions were non-partisan, Wike disagreed, insisting that many religious leaders openly supported candidates during the 2023 presidential election.
“Don’t tell me they’re not partisan. You know what happened in the 2023 election. People took sides, religious leaders took sides, it was very open,” he said.
“I would be stupid to sit here for anybody to tell me this person is impartial. No. We know ourselves in this country; we know who belongs to where. Who did they support in 2023? It was very obvious.”
The exchange adds to the growing public debate over the role of religious leaders in political discourse and governance, following the recent engagement between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.
