You Almost Made a Terrible Mistake in 2023, Don’t Repeat It in 2027, Wike Warns Church Leaders

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has cautioned the church against repeating what he described as a near-disastrous political misstep during the 2023 elections. Speaking during a thanksgiving service at St. James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja, Wike said the decision the church took at the time could have severely affected Nigeria’s future.

The event was held to mark the successful completion of projects commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the FCT.

“Let me use this opportunity to tell us, particularly the church—you nearly made the worst mistake in 2023,” Wike told the congregation. “We have to be very careful this time around. You took a decision that would have cost some of us our future.”

He advised church leaders to seek political clarity from members of their congregations who are active in governance and policymaking. “Ask us questions. We are the politicians,” he said. “If you want us to educate you, call us—you have senators in this church, call on them, ask what is going on, and they would be able to educate you.”

Wike also warned that misinformation and blackmail are already re-emerging ahead of the 2027 elections, urging the church to remain vigilant and informed.