Stephen Adegbite, Methodist bishop and Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), has cautioned Cardinal John Onaiyekan against disparaging other presidential candidates while supporting a preferred candidate.
Adegbite made the remarks on Friday during an interview on TVC, while reacting to recent comments by Onaiyekan, former Archbishop of Abuja, following the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House.
On July 28, the CBCN, led by Matthew Ndagoso, met with Tinubu and expressed concerns over the country’s security and economic situation.
Speaking after the meeting, Onaiyekan said some people around the President were presenting a “rosy picture” of the country. He also warned that the government appeared determined to win future elections “by all means.”
His comments sparked public debate over the role of the clergy in state affairs and politics, with some members of the Presidency and Federal Government accusing the cleric of partisanship.
Reacting, Adegbite said Nigerians have the right to support candidates of their choice but should respect political opponents.
He recalled that after Tinubu was declared the winner of the 2023 presidential election, Onaiyekan said he would not recognise Tinubu as President until the Supreme Court delivered its verdict.
“In 2023, when Tinubu was declared winner, Cardinal Onaiyekan said he would not recognise Mr President until the Supreme Court verdict, which is normal,” Adegbite said.
“But we said Nigerians have voted. That is what people have said. But to say we don’t have a president? We told him at the time that we have a president, and you cannot tell us we don’t have one.”
Adegbite stressed that everyone’s choice of presidential candidate should be respected.
“We have no problem with you having your own candidate. You can have your preferred candidate, but don’t run down other people’s candidates,” he said.
“Sell your own candidate. Let people see what your candidate has done that justifies him becoming the President of Nigeria.”
He added that supporters of Tinubu are equally entitled to campaign based on what they consider the President’s achievements.
“The people who also believe in Mr President, let them show you. People don’t even need to be told anymore,” he said.
According to Adegbite, Tinubu should ultimately be judged by his record in office rather than criticism from political opponents.
“The work of Mr President will speak for him, and that is what people want,” he said.
The Methodist bishop also criticised Onaiyekan for publicly commenting on the CBCN’s meeting with the President, arguing that discussions during such engagements should remain confidential.
“Their visit is very good, but for anybody to now take the visit of Mr President outside the Villa and be making comments on it after retirement at 82, it is unacceptable,” he said.
“If a body has visited Mr President, that should be in confidence.”
