Wike Slams Cardinal Onaiyekan over Alleged Political Bias in 2023 Elections

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has challenged the impartiality of Cardinal John Onaiyekan, accusing the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja of taking sides during the 2023 general election.

Speaking during a media parley on Tuesday, Wike addressed the recent clash between the Presidency and Onaiyekan following the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria’s (CBCN) closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

After the meeting, Onaiyekan publicly suggested that aides were painting a “rosy picture” for the President while he remained focused on 2027—a statement the Presidency criticized as an abuse of privilege.

Wike argued that religious leaders undermine their credibility when their commentary is purely negative.

While acknowledging that constructive criticism is valid, the minister insisted that leaders must also recognize government achievements to remain objective.

He said while it was appropriate to criticise the government where necessary, leaders should also recognise areas where progress had been made.

“If a religious leader is seen taking a side, it becomes difficult for people to see their comments as helpful. Onaiyekan’s political leanings in 2023 were not hidden.

“I am aware of the position of Cardinal Onaiyekan; all of us know, it’s not hidden, whom he supports; everybody knows that”.

“It’s not every time you say things are bad; nobody has heard you say the government has done this well.

“The point I am trying to make is that, as a leader, commend the government when it has done well in certain areas; criticise but acknowledge areas of progress ‘but you should improve in these other areas.”

He concluded that consistent, one-sided criticism naturally leads the government to view such remarks as politically motivated rather than objective advice.

“It’s not every time you say things are bad; nobody has heard you say the government has done this well”, Wike said.