2027: Obi, Kwankwaso Defend Onaiyekan, Catholic Bishops

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have defended the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and Cardinal John Onaiyekan over their comments on the state of the nation, describing the criticism from the Presidency as a sign of growing intolerance for dissent.

Their reactions followed the Presidency’s criticism of Cardinal Onaiyekan after the Catholic bishops held a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The Presidency had accused the cleric of publicly discussing matters raised during the private meeting.

In a statement titled “When a Government Declares War on the Truth,” Obi said Nigeria’s economic hardship, insecurity, inflation and unemployment require sincere engagement with constructive criticism instead of attacks on religious leaders who speak on national issues.

He said the Catholic Bishops’ Conference has consistently served as the nation’s moral voice by speaking on matters affecting citizens under both military and civilian administrations, rather than acting as a political opposition group.

Obi added that other major religious organisations, including Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), have also repeatedly expressed concerns over insecurity, inflation, poverty and other national challenges.

According to him, religious leaders are often among the first to witness the suffering of ordinary Nigerians because they interact closely with communities facing rising food prices, unemployment, kidnappings and other security problems.

Drawing from his experience as governor of Anambra State, Obi said constructive criticism from traditional rulers and religious leaders contributed to the achievements recorded by his administration, especially in education and healthcare.

He also questioned why the Federal Government appeared to have changed its attitude towards the Catholic Church after President Tinubu showed respect for the institution during the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome by participating fully in the ceremonies.

Obi argued that the concerns raised by the bishops affect Nigerians across religious and ethnic divides, warning against attempts to portray the issue as one involving only the Catholic Church.

He maintained that democratic governments should welcome honest feedback from credible institutions and focus on addressing the concerns raised rather than attacking respected religious leaders.

Kwankwaso also defended the Catholic bishops, describing their comments as patriotic and reflective of the realities facing millions of Nigerians.

In a post on his verified X account, the former Kano State governor dismissed suggestions that the bishops’ remarks on the country’s economic situation, insecurity and declining public confidence were politically motivated.

He said the issues raised by the clerics mirror the daily experiences of Nigerians struggling with rising living costs, unemployment, insecurity, poor access to healthcare and education, and shrinking economic opportunities.

Kwankwaso called on leaders at all levels to embrace accountability and implement policies that place the welfare, security and prosperity of Nigerians above every other consideration.

He also urged citizens to continue engaging governments constructively, adding that responsible leadership and collective commitment remain essential to building a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria.