Wike says genocide claim, US label ‘politics taken too far by opposition’

By Ben Adoga, Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused opposition politicians of misleading the United States government with false and politically motivated narratives about religious persecution in Nigeria, describing the resulting “country of particular concern” designation as “politics taken too far.”

Speaking on Channels TV ‘Politics Today’, Wike alleged that elements within the opposition deliberately sold distorted information to foreign interests, including American authorities, to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration and sow division among Nigerians along religious lines.

According to him, the claim that Christians were being systematically targeted and killed in Nigeria was not only false but also a calculated attempt by the opposition to weaponize religion in order to discredit the government and regain political relevance.

“It’s politics taken too far,” Wike declared, rejecting the US claim that Christians were facing genocide in Nigeria.

Explaining why such an allegation was illogical, the minister said: “I am a Christian, my father is a pastor, all my siblings are Christians. The former Chief of Defence Staff is a Christian, the IGP is a Christian, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is a Christian, and many others. We all sit in the Federal Executive Council. How can anyone claim that we support the killing of our people? There could be misinformation somewhere.”

Wike said no responsible leader would condone or support the killing of citizens based on religion, stressing that President Tinubu was not an extremist and would never tolerate religious persecution.

“Nobody is happy if anybody is killed, either a Christian or a Muslim. No leader will be happy to hear that Muslims are dying, Christians are dying, even non-believers are dying. This President that I know cannot shut his eyes to that,” he said.

He described as unthinkable the notion that a president whose wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is a senior pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), would turn a blind eye to the alleged killing of Christians.

“It’s not possible,” he said. “This is a President whose wife is a Christian and a pastor. How can anyone say he would support the killing of Christians? That’s why I say it’s politics taken too far.”

Wike maintained that the Tinubu administration had made record investments in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity compared to previous governments.

“In all sincerity, this government is doing quite a lot to tame terrorism and other forms of insecurity. As I speak to you, I don’t know any government that has put more resources in fighting terrorism,” he said.

He dismissed the notion of a targeted genocide against Christians, saying terrorism affects everyone irrespective of faith or tribe.

“What I am trying to say is that it’s not correct that a particular religion is being eliminated and this government is doing nothing. Terrorists are killing Christians, terrorists are killing Muslims, and even non-believers. That’s the sad reality. So why make it a religious issue?” he asked.

Wike suggested that the opposition, having lost political strength due to President Tinubu’s style of inclusive governance, had resorted to divisive propaganda to discredit him both locally and internationally.

“It is obvious that the opposition is fueling this. Because of Mr. President’s political style, you can see the collapse of the opposition. They have realised they are not prepared to challenge him, and now they want to use religion to divide the country. No, no, no—we can’t accept this. That’s why I say it’s politics taken too far,” he said.

The minister also drew parallels with 2015, when, according to him, similar tactics were used to unseat former President Goodluck Jonathan.

“In 2015, when Goodluck Jonathan was president, people capitalised on this kind of thing and took over power. That is what they are trying again—but Nigerians are wiser now,” Wike said.

Wike urged the international community, particularly the U.S., to be wary of politically motivated reports emanating from disgruntled politicians, stressing that Nigeria’s security challenges are being addressed comprehensively without religious bias.

“This government is tackling insecurity head-on. What the opposition is doing is to sell lies abroad to create confusion at home. It’s unfortunate and unpatriotic,” he said.