Kukah Faces Criticism Over Alleged U-Turn on Religious Persecution Stance

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, has come under criticism over what some describe as a reversal in his position on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

Human rights activist, Dr. Thompson Udenwa, in a statement released in Abuja on Thursday, faulted Bishop Kukah’s recent remarks, saying they appeared to contradict his earlier calls for stronger international action against religious intolerance and attacks on Christian communities.

Udenwa recalled that a few years ago, Bishop Kukah was among those who urged the United States government to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), citing reports of church burnings, targeted killings, and assaults on Christian populations in the North and Middle Belt.

He expressed concern that the bishop’s latest comments showed what he called “an inconsistency that should not be seen in political and religious leaders.”

Udenwa noted that in 2021, Bishop Kukah addressed the American Congress and accused the Buhari administration of indifference to Christian persecution, yet now appears to oppose the same measures he once supported. He said such a shift undermines the credibility of religious advocacy and gives the impression that Bishop Kukah’s views are shaped more by politics than by principle.

The criticism followed Bishop Kukah’s remarks at the launch of the Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) 2025 World Report on Religious Freedom, held on October 21, 2025, at the Augustinianum Hall, Vatican City.

At the event, Bishop Kukah acknowledged Nigeria’s security and governance challenges but advised the international community not to impose sanctions or diplomatically isolate the country.

While commending the bishop’s call for dialogue, Udenwa argued that such a stance could allow authorities to continue avoiding accountability for recurring attacks against communities of faith.

He stressed that religious leaders must remain consistent and selfless in their advocacy, adding that truth should be upheld regardless of who is in power.