You Took Sides in 2023, Wike Tells Onaiyekan Amid Tinubu Criticism

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, of losing neutrality by allegedly taking sides during the 2023 general election.

Wike made the allegation on Tuesday during a media parley while reacting to comments made by Onaiyekan after a recent meeting between President Bola Tinubu and members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).

The cardinal had, in an interview after the meeting, alleged that individuals around the President were presenting a “rosy picture” of the country’s situation, adding that Tinubu appeared to be focused on securing victory in the 2027 presidential election.

The comments sparked criticism from the Presidency, which accused Onaiyekan of breaching the confidentiality attached to the closed-door meeting.

Speaking on the controversy, Wike argued that comments from religious leaders should reflect fairness by acknowledging both the achievements and shortcomings of government.

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He said persistent criticism without recognition of government efforts could create the impression of political bias.

“If a religious leader is perceived or seen to be taking a side, which is very clear, it is very difficult for people to begin to see those comments as being helpful,” Wike said.

The FCT minister claimed that Onaiyekan’s political position during the 2023 election was known to Nigerians, questioning whether his recent comments could be viewed as completely objective.

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

Wike maintained that constructive criticism from public figures should include commendation where government performs well rather than focusing solely on failures.

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

“The point I am trying to make is that, as a leader, you should commend the government when it has done well in certain areas; criticise the government and say, look, you have done this well, but you should improve in these other areas.”

The minister also dismissed claims that Catholic leaders remained non-partisan during the last presidential election, insisting that some religious figures openly supported particular candidates.

“Don’t tell me they’re not partisan. You know what happened in the 2023 election. People took sides, religious leaders took sides, it was very open,” Wike said.

He added: “I would be stupid to sit here and let anybody tell me this person is impartial. No. We know ourselves in this country; we know who belongs to where. Who did they support in 2023? It was very obvious.”

Wike said while leaders have the right to hold government accountable, such interventions would carry more weight when they are perceived as balanced and independent.