Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has denounced the administration of President Bola Tinubu for its hostile reaction toward John Cardinal Onaiyekan and the Catholic Church. Abubakar argued that the government is increasingly unwilling to tolerate dissenting opinions or uncomfortable realities.
The controversy stems from a recent meeting between the President and Catholic bishops. While the administration maintained that the President defended his record and the electoral process, Cardinal Onaiyekan later stated in a television interview that the clergy informed the President that the nation is suffering and the current economy is detrimental to low-income citizens. The Cardinal noted that the President and his staff appeared visibly displeased by these remarks.
In response, the Presidency accused Cardinal Onaiyekan and the Catholic Church of bias, specifically suggesting they were acting on behalf of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party. Atiku rebuked this characterization, suggesting that the government is accustomed to dealing with compliant, artificial figures rather than independent religious leaders. He emphasized that Catholic bishops represent a moral voice tasked with speaking truth to power, rather than acting as political tools.
Abubakar further stated that the administration’s attempt to reframe the meeting and discredit the Cardinal reflects an insecure government that prefers propaganda over genuine reflection. He argued that attacking the cleric does not alleviate the pressing issues of hunger, unemployment, and insecurity facing the country. Consequently, he has demanded a formal apology from the Presidency to the Catholic Church and its followers, warning that such dismissive behavior only reinforces perceptions of governmental arrogance.
