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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised Catholic Bishops over their call for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting the clerics should provide evidence to support claims of bias.
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike questioned the basis of the bishops’ position, warning that such statements could undermine public confidence in the electoral body.
“How did the Catholic Bishops come to the conclusion that INEC is biased? What are your facts?” Wike asked, stressing that an organisation of the bishops’ stature should back its claims with verifiable evidence.
The minister’s comments followed last week’s meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, during which the bishops urged the government to ensure credible elections and strengthen democratic institutions.
Tinubu rejected allegations that INEC was being used to intimidate political opponents, insisting the commission remained neutral.
Wike also accused former Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, of taking partisan positions, alleging that his political preference was widely known.
The presidency had earlier dismissed Onaiyekan’s criticism of the administration, with presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala accusing the cleric of engaging in partisan politics.
