Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Back Catholic Bishops, Defend Onaiyekan Over Tinubu Criticism

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi and his 2027 running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have thrown their weight behind the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and John Cardinal Onaiyekan, insisting that religious leaders should not be attacked for speaking on the nation’s challenges.

Their remarks come after the Presidency criticised Onaiyekan over comments linked to a closed-door meeting between President Bola Tinubu and Catholic bishops at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The Presidency accused the cardinal of publicly disclosing discussions from the meeting, a move Obi described as a troubling sign of growing intolerance toward dissent.

In a statement titled “When a Government Declares War on the Truth,” Obi argued that Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship, insecurity, inflation and unemployment demand honest engagement rather than attacks on respected voices raising legitimate concerns.

The former Anambra State governor maintained that the CBCN has never operated as a political opposition group but has consistently served as a moral voice by speaking on issues affecting Nigerians under both military and democratic administrations. He noted that major religious organisations, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), have also repeatedly expressed concern over the country’s security and economic challenges.

Obi said religious leaders are often among the first to witness the suffering of ordinary Nigerians because of their close connection with local communities. He recalled that during his tenure as governor of Anambra State, constructive criticism from traditional rulers and religious leaders helped shape policies that improved education and healthcare.

He also questioned what he described as a contradiction in the Federal Government’s relationship with the Catholic Church, noting that President Tinubu showed great respect for the institution during the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome but later appeared to react differently after the Nigerian bishops criticised conditions in the country.

“The bishops merely expressed what millions of Nigerians experience daily,” Obi said, urging government officials to focus on addressing the issues raised rather than attacking religious leaders. He added that a democratic government should welcome honest feedback from credible institutions instead of attempting to silence them.

Kwankwaso echoed Obi’s position, describing the Catholic bishops as courageous and patriotic for highlighting the realities facing Nigerians. In a post on his verified X account, the former Kano State governor dismissed suggestions that the bishops were playing politics, saying their concerns reflected the everyday experiences of citizens battling economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and declining living standards.

He stressed that Nigeria’s enormous human and natural resources should translate into better living conditions for citizens and urged leaders at all levels to embrace accountability and implement policies that prioritise public welfare. “I commend the Catholic Bishops for their courage and patriotism. It is through such collective commitment and responsible leadership we can build a more peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria,” Kwankwaso stated.