Wike says opposition elements are exploiting security challenges to discredit President Tinubu’s administration ahead of 2027 elections.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly rejected allegations of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, describing the claims as politically motivated and “a case of politics taken too far.”
Speaking on Channels Television on Monday night, November 3, Wike accused opposition forces of using the narrative to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration, likening it to tactics employed against former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.
“I am a Nigerian and a full-blooded Christian. My father is a pastor, and my family are all Christians. I serve in this government. It is an indictment on me and my faith for anyone to allege that a government where I serve supports genocide against Christians. This is politics taken too far,” Wike said.
He argued that it is “illogical” to claim the government would tolerate religious persecution given the number of Christians in key positions within Nigeria’s security structure, including the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the DSS, and the Chief of Defence Staff.
“Tell me, how can any right-thinking person say that we, as Christians in this government, will sit back and watch our people being killed? Nobody here is happy that any life Christian, Muslim, or non-believer is lost,” he added.
Wike emphasized that President Tinubu, whose wife is also a pastor, would never condone religious violence, noting that the current administration has invested more resources in combating terrorism than previous governments.
He criticized the timing of the genocide claims, stating that opposition forces are exploiting Nigeria’s current security challenges to incite religious division ahead of the 2027 elections.
“This is exactly the same script they used in 2015 against Jonathan. The opposition knows no party is currently strong enough to challenge President Tinubu, so they are desperate to create tension. This genocide claim is just a political weapon,” Wike said.
The Minister further noted that terrorism and banditry are indiscriminate, affecting people across all faiths and ethnic groups.
“Terrorists are killing Christians, Muslims, and even non-believers. When Benue was under attack or when the Chibok girls were kidnapped, Tinubu was not President. So, it’s wrong to link today’s killings to this administration,” he explained.
Wike concluded by urging Nigerians and the international community not to be swayed by politically driven reports, stressing that the Tinubu administration is actively working to combat terrorism and restore security.
“This government is not helpless; it’s working and will continue to work to solve the problem,” he affirmed.
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