The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has alleged that Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, is openly supporting one of the potential candidates ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Wike made the claim during a media briefing with selected journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, stating that the cleric’s political preference was known to many Nigerians.
The Wike Cardinal Onaiyekan 2027 election claim followed the minister’s reaction to recent comments made by Onaiyekan regarding a closed-door meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).
According to Wike, some religious leaders took political positions during the 2023 general election and were repeating similar actions ahead of the next election cycle.
“I’m aware of Cardinal Onaiyekan’s position. It’s not hidden who he supports. Everybody knows that. In 2023, religious leaders took sides. It was very open,” Wike said.
The FCT minister argued that when religious leaders are perceived to support a particular political side, their comments on national issues may be viewed differently by the public.
Wike stated that while he does not oppose religious leaders offering opinions on government affairs, such remarks could lose credibility if they appear politically influenced.
“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.
The Wike Cardinal Onaiyekan 2027 election claim has sparked discussions over the role of religious leaders in politics and whether clerics should remain neutral while commenting on national issues.
BACKSTORY:
Cardinal John Onaiyekan, a respected Nigerian Catholic cleric and former Archbishop of Abuja, has been known for speaking on national issues, including governance, leadership, and social challenges.
His recent comments about a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria generated reactions, with some political figures interpreting his remarks as criticism of the government.
Nyesom Wike, a former Rivers State governor and current FCT minister, responded by questioning the neutrality of religious leaders who comment on political matters. He argued that clerics should be careful not to appear aligned with any political camp.
The exchange has renewed conversations about the involvement of religious leaders in Nigerian politics, especially as political activities gradually build ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
