Provide proof of INEC’s bias — Wike challenges Catholic Bishops

By Precious Mark

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challe ged the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria to provide proof that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is biased.

Wike stated this in Abuja during a routine media chat on Tuesday, while responding to comments made by Cardinal John Onaiyekan following his recent audience with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

While emphasizing that the Federal Government does not oppose religious leaders raising concerns about public policies and governance, the Minister insisted that spiritual leaders must maintain non-partisanship and ensure public statements are grounded in facts.

Directly questioning the basis of the bishops’ assessment of the electoral body, Wike warned that high-profile figures making unverified statements risk creating unnecessary panic and undermining public trust in democratic institutions.

“How did the Catholic bishops come to the conclusion that INEC is biased? What are your facts? When you come to the public and make that kind of accusation, that the electoral umpire is biased you must have your facts,” Wike said.

He further warned of the far-reaching impact of such claims when issued by respected religious bodies.

“If you come to a general conclusion and say INEC is biased, you are sending a signal to the public because they will think that for the entire Catholic Bishops to say INEC is biased, then something is wrong. And we must be very careful about it,” Wike added.

The Minister reiterated that while the administration remains open to constructive criticism from all sectors, including the clergy, criticism must remain objective, non-partisan, and backed by verifiable evidence rather than sentiment.