The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s position on the neutrality of electoral institutions while criticizing religious leaders whom he accused of openly taking political sides during the 2023 general elections.
Speaking on national political issues, Wike argued that public confidence in religious leaders is weakened whenever they are perceived to be partisan. According to him, once a religious leader openly aligns with a political camp, many Nigerians begin to question the sincerity and objectivity of subsequent public statements.
Referring to the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Wike claimed that the cleric’s political preference was widely known during the last election cycle. He maintained that several religious leaders publicly demonstrated support for preferred candidates in the 2023 elections, making it difficult for their later comments to be viewed as neutral.
The former Rivers State governor also addressed criticisms directed at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He cautioned against making broad allegations that the electoral body is biased without presenting convincing evidence.
According to Wike, when respected religious institutions publicly declare that INEC is biased, such remarks can significantly influence public opinion and erode confidence in the electoral process. He said this explains why President Tinubu has consistently insisted that sweeping claims against the commission should be made responsibly and supported by facts.
Wike also took aim at Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Bode George, questioning the source of the property he occupies in Abuja’s Maitama district. He alleged that the property was linked to Rivers State funds, suggesting that critics should also answer questions about corruption before accusing others.
Turning to the 2027 political landscape, Wike dismissed the choice of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate. He argued that the selection would do little to improve Atiku’s electoral prospects, claiming that Amaechi lacks the political influence needed to deliver significant votes.
The FCT minister further suggested that if there was any strategic value in the choice, it was likely financial rather than electoral, insisting that the ticket would struggle to gain widespread acceptance.
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Wike concluded by reaffirming his support for President Tinubu, describing his own appointment as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory as a significant achievement for Rivers State. He said many people never imagined that someone from the state would occupy such a strategic national office, adding that the accomplishment remains noteworthy regardless of political opinions.
