The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission and Methodist Bishop, Stephen Adegbite, has cautioned former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, against disparaging presidential candidates while campaigning for a preferred contender.

Adegbite said Nigerians, including religious leaders, were entitled to support candidates of their choice, but such support should not involve denigrating political opponents.

The bishop made the remarks on Friday during an interview on TVC, while reacting to comments recently made by Onaiyekan following the meeting between the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu at the State House.

Recall that the CBCN, led by Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, met with Tinubu on July 28 and raised concerns over the worsening security and economic conditions in the country.

Speaking after the meeting, Onaiyekan criticised what he described as attempts by some individuals around the President to paint a “rosy picture” of the country.

The cleric also alleged that the administration appeared determined to win future elections “by all means,” remarks which subsequently triggered debate over the involvement of religious leaders in political affairs.

Some government and Presidency-linked figures have since accused Onaiyekan of partisan conduct.

However, Adegbite said the former archbishop was free to support any presidential candidate but should focus on selling the candidate’s record rather than attacking others.

“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. And 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.”

The Methodist bishop stressed that political choices should be respected, urging supporters of opposition candidates to convince Nigerians through their candidates’ records and policies.

“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.”

Adegbite also defended supporters of Tinubu, saying they had an equal right to highlight what they considered the achievements of the President.

“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 him, Tinubu should ultimately be judged by his performance in office and not merely by criticisms from political opponents.

“The work of Mr President will speak for him, and that is what people want,” Adegbite stated.

The NCPC executive secretary, however, faulted Onaiyekan for publicly commenting on matters arising from the bishops’ meeting with the President.

He argued that engagements between religious leaders and the President should retain a level of confidentiality, particularly where sensitive national issues are discussed.

“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,” Adegbite said.

“If a body has visited Mr. President, that should be in confidence.”