The Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has alleged that Archbishop Emeritus of Catholic Diocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, is obviously supporting one of the 2027 presidential candidates.

Wike, who spoke during a media chat with some selected journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, claimed that everyone knows who the clergy is supporting.

According to him, Onaiyekan and other religious leaders took sides in the 2023 general elections and are repeating the same for the forthcoming polls.

“I’m aware of Cardinal Onaiyekan’s position. It’s not hidden who he supports. Everybody knows that.

“In 2023, religious leaders took sides. It was very open”, the Minister said.

Wike who was reacting to the controversy surrounding Onaiyekan’s decision to reveal what transpired during a recent closed-door meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN alleged that the clergy took side on the current state of the nation.

“If a religious leader is perceived or seen to be taking a side and it’s very clear, it becomes difficult for people to see those comments as helpful or real,” he said.