When Faith Faces Power: Wike, Onaiyekan and Nigeria’s Familiar Political Paradox

For years, Nigeria’s politicians have courted religious leaders during election seasons, welcomed prayers on campaign stages and proudly displayed endorsements from influential clerics.

Yet, once in government, some of those same voices suddenly become “partisan” when they question policies or speak about hardship.

ValidViewNetwork reports that Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has criticised Cardinal John Onaiyekan over his recent comments on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, arguing that religious leaders should avoid creating the impression of political partisanship if they wish to retain public credibility.

Wike Questions Clerics’ Political Neutrality

Speaking during his monthly media chat, Wike said criticism of government is both legitimate and necessary in a democracy. However, he argued that such criticism loses its moral force when it appears consistently one-sided.

According to the minister, religious leaders should acknowledge government achievements where they exist while also pointing out areas requiring improvement.

Wike further insisted that many clerics openly took political positions during the 2023 general election, making claims of complete neutrality difficult to sustain.

“You don’t every time say things are bad. Nobody has heard him say one day government has done this well,” Wike said while referring to Cardinal Onaiyekan.

How The Controversy Began

ValidViewNetwork reports that the disagreement followed Cardinal John Onaiyekan’s interview after a closed-door meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

The Cardinal disclosed that the bishops expressed concerns over worsening insecurity, economic hardship and governance, while noting that President Tinubu maintained that his administration was making measurable progress.

Following the interview, presidential aides defended the administration’s position, arguing that some church leaders had adopted political positions rather than maintaining impartiality.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar later criticised the attacks on Onaiyekan and called on the Presidency to respect the Cardinal’s right to express concerns on national issues.

Politics And The Pulpit Have Long Walked Together

Nigeria’s political history makes this debate far more complex than a disagreement between one minister and one cleric. Successive governments, political parties and candidates have consistently sought the blessings, endorsements and public goodwill of respected religious leaders during election campaigns.

Churches and mosques have often become venues where politicians reassure voters, seek legitimacy and project moral credibility. That history raises an uncomfortable question.

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Can politicians celebrate religious influence during campaigns but reject that same influence when religious leaders begin asking difficult questions after elections?The issue is hardly exclusive to one administration or one political party.

Across different governments and election cycles, religious sentiment has repeatedly featured in campaign messaging, political mobilisation and voter engagement.

Beyond The Headlines

Democracy benefits when governments listen and when critics remain fair. Religious leaders should speak truth without becoming extensions of political parties.

Likewise, governments should resist measuring criticism by who delivers it rather than by the issues being raised.

Ultimately, credibility is earned through consistency. If politicians reserve front-row seats for clerics during campaigns, they should not be surprised when those same clerics continue speaking after inauguration.

Moral voices cannot be invited only for victories and dismissed when they become uncomfortable. Perhaps the real lesson is this; in politics, everyone loves the sermon until it is directed at them.