Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi slams President Bola Tinubu’s administration for allegedly attacking the Catholic Church and disrespecting the Christian faith. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday evening, August 4, 2026, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate condemned presidency officials for targeting Catholic clerics who voiced public concerns over severe economic hardship and election credibility.
The high-stakes political dispute erupted following a high-profile meeting between President Tinubu and members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. During and after the engagement, Catholic leaders—including the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan—highlighted widespread public suffering and urged the Federal Government to guarantee transparent, free, and fair elections in 2027.
However, presidential aides subsequently criticized Cardinal Onaiyekan’s post-meeting comments, characterizing his observations as politically partisan. Amaechi strongly defended the Catholic clergy, arguing that senior bishops hold immense moral authority over millions of citizens and deserve executive respect rather than aggressive media hostility. “They should leave the Catholic Church alone, respect God, and respect the Christian faith. They should stop insulting Christians and the leadership of the Christian church,” Amaechi stated during the televised broadcast.
The former Rivers State governor also rejected assertions by the Presidency that executive engagements with religious leaders should remain private when official cameras and state press crews document the proceedings. Amaechi emphasized that Catholic bishops oversee sprawling dioceses across entire states and represent citizens struggling under challenging economic conditions.
Furthermore, he urged President Tinubu to use dialogue with religious bodies as an opportunity to reassure all political parties that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will operate without executive interference. “When the Catholic Church expresses fear about election fairness, what the President needs to do is reassure the nation that every party will compete on an even playing field,” Amaechi added.
- Strong condemnation of presidential aides for publicly criticizing John Cardinal Onaiyekan and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
- Direct appeal for executive leadership to guarantee a level playing field for all political parties ahead of the 2027 polls.
- Rejection of presidency claims that official, camera-covered meetings constitute private executive conversations.
- Call for increased mutual respect between political authorities and religious leaders across the federation.
“He has no respect and regard for the Catholic Church, and I think they have no respect and regard for the Christian faith.”
The presidency has maintained that its public communications focus on clarifying government policy achievements rather than attacking religious institutions. Meanwhile, civic and socio-cultural organizations across Nigeria continue to call for constructive dialogue between political leaders and faith organizations to maintain social stability.
As political realignments intensify ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle, public debates over civil rights, religious freedom, and executive accountability are expected to remain central to national discourse. Will the Federal Government adjust its engagement strategy with faith leaders to foster greater national unity during these challenging economic times?
