Wike Fires Back at Cardinal Onaiyekan, Claims Cleric Is Not Neutral

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has sparked fresh political debate after publicly questioning the neutrality of the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan.

Speaking during a media interaction in Abuja, Wike alleged that the respected cleric took sides during the 2023 general elections and continues to display clear political bias as discussions surrounding the 2027 presidential race gather momentum.

The FCT Minister was reacting to recent remarks by Onaiyekan following a closed-door meeting between President Bola Tinubu and members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). In an interview after the session, the Cardinal claimed that advisers around President Tinubu were offering him an overly optimistic picture of the country’s economic reality while concentrating heavily on 2027 political calculations.

Rejecting the cleric’s assessment, Wike maintained that while constructive criticism is a vital part of governance, religious leaders must maintain balance if their commentary is to be taken seriously.

“If a religious leader is perceived or seen to be taking a side—and it is very clear—it becomes difficult for people to view those comments as helpful or objective,” Wike stated. “All of us know whom he supports; it is not hidden. In 2023, religious leaders took sides openly, and nobody should pretend otherwise.”

Wike further noted that objective leadership requires acknowledging progress alongside areas that need improvement, arguing that total silence on government achievements exposes political bias.

The Minister emphasized that the administration remains focused on delivering infrastructure and economic reforms, advising public commentators—including religious leaders—to ensure their interventions promote unity rather than partisan sentiment.