Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has questioned the Catholic Bishops’ assertion that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is biased ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that such allegations should be backed by verifiable evidence.
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike said organisations with significant public influence must exercise caution when making statements capable of undermining confidence in democratic institutions.
“How did the Catholic Bishops come to the conclusion that INEC is biased? What are your facts? What happened for you to prove it?” Wike asked.
He argued that allegations against the electoral commission should be accompanied by specific evidence rather than broad accusations.
“When you come to the public to make that kind of accusation that the electoral umpire is biased, you must have your facts. This is why we say they are biased. Look at this, look at that,” he said.
According to the minister, comments from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) carry considerable weight and could influence public perception if not supported by facts.
“If you just come to the general public and say, ‘INEC is biased,’ you are sending a signal because people will say, ‘For the Catholic Bishops to say INEC is biased, then something is wrong.’ We must be very careful about it,” Wike added.
Wike’s remarks followed last week’s meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
During the meeting, the bishops called for credible elections and urged the strengthening of democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections, amid concerns expressed by opposition parties about the neutrality of public institutions.
Responding, President Tinubu rejected suggestions that INEC was being used to intimidate political opponents.
“INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anybody. If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and the uncertainty in the company they keep, not me,” the President said.
He added that while political competition is expected in a democracy, every contestant would have an equal opportunity.
The debate intensified after former Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, said President Tinubu appeared unhappy with the bishops’ message during the meeting.
READ MORE: Wike Accuses Onaiyekan Of Partisanship Over Tinubu Criticism
According to the cardinal, the bishops informed the President that many Nigerians were experiencing severe economic hardship and that the country was “bleeding.”
His remarks drew criticism from the Presidency, with presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala arguing that the comments did not represent the views of all Christians in Nigeria and accusing the cleric of taking a political position.
Wike echoed a similar position, suggesting that Cardinal Onaiyekan’s political preference was widely known.
“I’m aware of Cardinal Onaiyekan’s position. It’s not hidden who he supports. Everybody knows that,” the minister said.
The comments come amid increasing political debate over the conduct of Nigeria’s electoral institutions as political parties and stakeholders begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.
