The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has alleged that Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, John Onaiyekan, is openly backing one of the contenders in the 2027 presidential election.
Wike made the claim on Tuesday during a media chat with selected journalists in Abuja while responding to the controversy surrounding the cleric’s comments on a recent closed-door meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria.
According to the minister, Onaiyekan’s political preference is widely known and has not been concealed.
“I’m aware of Cardinal Onaiyekan’s position. It’s not hidden who he supports. Everybody knows that,” Wike said.
The FCT minister further alleged that several religious leaders openly aligned with political interests during the 2023 general elections and were adopting a similar posture ahead of the 2027 polls.
“In 2023, religious leaders took sides. It was very open,” he added.
Wike argued that once a religious leader is perceived to have taken a political position, public confidence in such a person’s comments on national issues could be affected.
“If a religious leader is perceived or seen to be taking a side and it’s very clear, it becomes difficult for people to see those comments as helpful or real,” he said.
His remarks followed public reactions to Onaiyekan’s disclosure of what transpired during a recent private meeting between President Bola Tinubu and members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, a revelation that has generated debate over the confidentiality of the engagement.
