Abuja: A war of words has broken out between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) over comments by Archbishop Emeritus Cardinal John Onaiyekan.
Wike accused the cleric of partisanship during the 2023 elections, insisting his recent criticisms of the Presidency were not impartial. He argued that religious leaders must balance their interventions by acknowledging government achievements alongside failures.
But the NYCN fired back, declaring support for Onaiyekan and insisting the Cardinal merely reflected the “daily lived realities” of Nigerians battling inflation, insecurity and economic hardship. The group described him as a moral voice and elder statesman who spoke truth to power.
The Middle Belt Forum also rallied behind Onaiyekan and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), which recently told President Bola Tinubu that his administration appeared more focused on securing a second term in 2027 than tackling hardship.
Wike further queried the bishops’ call for INEC neutrality in 2027, warning that such accusations of bias must be backed by facts. “For a whole Catholic Bishops to say INEC is biased, then something is wrong,” he said, urging clerics to remain objective.
Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala had earlier dismissed Onaiyekan’s remarks, alleging the Catholic Church was rooting for opposition candidate Peter Obi.
The clash underscores growing tensions between government officials and religious leaders, with youth and socio‑cultural groups now openly siding with the clergy against the Presidency.
