2027: OBI, KWANKWASO RALLY BEHIND ONAIYEKAN, CATHOLIC BISHOPS
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and his 2027 running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have defended the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and John Cardinal Onaiyekan over their recent criticism of the Federal Government, insisting that religious leaders should not be attacked for speaking truth to power.
The duo described the Presidency’s reaction to the bishops’ meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja as a sign of growing intolerance for dissent. Their remarks followed the Presidency’s criticism of Cardinal Onaiyekan for allegedly disclosing details of the bishops’ private meeting with the President.
In a statement titled “When a Government Declares War on the Truth,” Obi argued that attacking religious leaders for raising concerns about insecurity, economic hardship, inflation and unemployment weakens democracy and distracts from the country’s pressing challenges. He maintained that the CBCN has consistently served as the nation’s moral conscience by speaking on issues affecting the public interest under successive administrations.
Obi also noted that other religious bodies, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), have similarly expressed concerns over the country’s worsening conditions. He urged the government to embrace constructive criticism instead of vilifying respected religious leaders.
Kwankwaso also praised the Catholic bishops for what he described as their courage and patriotism, saying their comments reflected the realities facing millions of Nigerians rather than partisan politics. He called on leaders to prioritise accountability and implement policies that improve citizens’ welfare, security and economic well-being, stressing that Nigeria’s challenges require sincere, people-centred solutions.
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