Wike: “The Church’s Mistakes Nearly Cost Nigeria Its Future in 2023”

FCT Minister Wike Warns Church Against Repeating 2023 Political Mistake

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Sunday stated that the Church nearly made a critical error during the 2023 elections—one he believes could have jeopardized Nigeria’s future.

Wike made the remark during a thanksgiving service held at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, to mark the successful completion of projects commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He urged the Church to exercise greater caution in 2027 to avoid a recurrence of the perceived misstep.

Wike Warns Church Against Political Missteps Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned the Church to avoid repeating what he described as a near-costly political error during the 2023 general elections.

Speaking on Sunday during a thanksgiving service at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja—organized to mark the successful completion of FCT projects commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—Wike urged church leaders to be more discerning in their political engagements.

According to the former Rivers State governor, the Church’s actions during the last election cycle could have had severe consequences for Nigeria’s future and the careers of some political leaders.

“Let me use this opportunity to tell us, particularly the Church—you nearly made the worst mistake in 2023,” Wike stated. “We have to be very careful this time around. You took a decision that would have cost some of us our future.”

He encouraged religious leaders to seek counsel from politicians within their congregations to gain a better understanding of the political climate.

“You have to be careful of what they tell you,” he said. “If that thing had happened, some of us wouldn’t be here today. If you want us to educate you, call us—you have senators in this church. Call on them, ask what is going on, and they would be able to educate you.”

Wike also alleged that elements of political blackmail were resurfacing as the country moves toward the 2027 elections, warning the Church to remain vigilant and well-informed.