Wike dismisses ‘Christian genocide’ claims, says allegation politically motivated

Wike dismisses ‘Christian genocide’ claims, says allegation politically motivated

Abuja—Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly refuted claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, describing the allegation as politically charged and a deliberate attempt to discredit President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking on a Channels Television programme monitored in Abuja on Monday, Wike accused opposition elements of recycling divisive tactics previously used 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 stated.

The minister argued that the composition of Nigeria’s current security leadership undermines the genocide narrative. He pointed out that the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Chief of Defence Staff are all Christians.

“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 said.

Wike also emphasized that President Tinubu, whose wife is a pastor, would never condone religious violence. “The President I know cannot shut his eyes to such atrocities,” he added.

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Responding to questions on government accountability, Wike maintained that the Tinubu administration has committed more resources to combating terrorism than any previous government. He accused opposition forces of exploiting Nigeria’s 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,” he said.

Wike stressed that terrorism and banditry have affected Nigerians across all religious and ethnic lines. “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 noted.

The minister urged Nigerians and the international community to reject politically driven narratives and support genuine efforts to combat terrorism.

“I support any country genuinely willing to help Nigeria fight terrorism, but no one should use our internal challenges for politics. This government is not helpless; it’s working and will continue to work to solve the problem,” Wike concluded.

His remarks come amid growing debate over religious freedom and national security, with analysts warning against politicizing sensitive issues that affect all Nigerians.

Wike dismisses ‘Christian genocide’ claims, says allegation politically motivated