Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has claimed that Cardinal John Onaiyekan’s preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential election is already known to many Nigerians.
According to Daily Post, Wike made the remark during a media chat with selected journalists in Abuja on Tuesday. He alleged that the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja has made his political preference clear ahead of the next general election.
The minister said there is no uncertainty about the candidate Cardinal Onaiyekan supports. He insisted that many Nigerians are already aware of the cleric’s political position.
“I’m aware of Cardinal Onaiyekan’s position. It’s not hidden who he supports. Everybody knows that,” Wike said.
Wike also alleged that some religious leaders openly supported political candidates during the 2023 general election. He claimed a similar trend is beginning to emerge as preparations for the 2027 polls continue.
According to him, religious leaders are free to hold political opinions. However, he argued that people may question their neutrality once they openly back a particular candidate.
“In 2023, religious leaders took sides. It was very open,” the minister added.
The Wike Onaiyekan 2027 debate gained fresh attention after the minister reacted to the controversy surrounding Cardinal Onaiyekan’s decision to reveal what transpired during a recent closed-door meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).
Wike alleged that the cleric had already taken a position on the country’s political situation. As a result, he said many Nigerians may find it difficult to view the Cardinal’s public comments as completely impartial.
“If a religious leader is perceived or seen to be taking a side and it’s very clear, it becomes difficult for people to see those comments as helpful or real,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Wike Onaiyekan 2027 conversation continues to generate reactions as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next presidential election. The exchange has also renewed debate over whether religious leaders should publicly support political candidates or remain neutral on political matters.
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With the 2027 election drawing closer, more politicians, religious leaders and other stakeholders are expected to speak on issues shaping Nigeria’s political landscape. Their comments are likely to keep the Wike Onaiyekan 2027 discussion in the spotlight in the coming months.
