NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate for the 2027 election, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have publicly supported the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and Cardinal John Onaiyekan. Their backing comes after the religious leaders faced criticism from the federal government for comments made during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Villa.
Obi characterized the government’s aggressive response as a sign of growing intolerance toward dissent. In a statement titled “When a Government Declares War on the Truth,” he warned that attacking religious figures for raising national concerns undermines democratic principles and distracts from urgent issues like insecurity and economic inflation. He noted that the Catholic Bishops have historically served as a moral conscience for Nigeria, regardless of the administration in power.
Highlighting the reality of the situation, Obi pointed out that various major Christian and Islamic organizations have voiced similar worries about the nation’s state. He argued that religious leaders witness the suffering of ordinary citizens firsthand, particularly regarding food prices and safety. Drawing on his time as governor of Anambra State, Obi emphasized that leaders should welcome honest feedback rather than silencing those who offer constructive guidance.
Rabiu Kwankwaso echoed these sentiments, labeling the bishops as courageous patriots. Via a social media post, the former Kano State governor dismissed allegations that the clerics were politically motivated. He maintained that the bishops were merely highlighting the genuine struggles of the Nigerian population. Kwankwaso urged the government to move past the controversy and focus on implementing policies that prioritize the security and economic welfare of all citizens, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.
