Anglican Church Bans Political Speeches in Services After Wike Outburst

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has banned political speeches during church services across its parishes nationwide.

The decision comes just days after Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, made controversial remarks from the pulpit during a church event in Abuja.

The church’s leadership issued a directive dated July 11, signed by the Primate, Henry Ndukuba, following an internal meeting held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu State. The document, now circulating on social media, sets out new rules guiding how politicians and public figures are to be received and handled during worship services.

Although the statement did not mention Wike directly, it was released days after he used the pulpit at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, to attack Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the last election. At the thanksgiving event for federal projects completed under President Tinubu, Wike dismissed Obi’s political relevance and criticized his supporters.

Concerned about growing political interference in religious spaces, the Anglican Church warned that the pulpit must never be turned into a stage for partisan messages. The memo instructed all parishes to brief guests ahead of time, making it clear that political comments are off-limits during services.

The church also directed its officials to remain neutral and avoid giving the impression of supporting any political group or figure. Officials were told not to praise or endorse political guests in ways that could damage the church’s reputation or compromise its spiritual authority.

As part of the new rules, the church said politicians should, whenever possible, avoid speaking from the lectern, which is reserved solely for scripture reading. This move aims to protect the sanctity of the church’s central message and maintain focus on spiritual matters.

Despite the restrictions, the Anglican Church clarified that it will still engage with government leaders on issues affecting the public and its members. However, it insisted that such engagements must not interfere with worship or turn the church into a political platform.

The directive takes effect immediately and applies to all Anglican dioceses across Nigeria. It signals a firm attempt by the church to restore order, maintain neutrality, and prevent its places of worship from being used to score political points.