The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has barred politicians and government officials from speaking on church pulpits during services and religious programmes, following widespread outrage over controversial remarks made by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Wike had come under fire after using the pulpit at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, for a politically charged speech during a recent thanksgiving service. While celebrating infrastructure achievements, the minister veered into partisan territory, attacking Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi—saying he would “never be president”—and blaming the church for what he called a near “costly mistake” in the 2023 elections.
In response, Anglican Primate Henry Ndukuba, in a memo dated Saturday, announced a set of new guidelines for all Anglican churches across Nigeria. The directive, which followed the recent episcopal consultation in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu State, aims to uphold the sanctity of Christian worship and prevent the politicisation of religious gatherings.
According to the memo, the church remains open to welcoming public officials but insists that church services and altars must not be used for political messaging or partisan propaganda.
“Church platforms must not be used to advance political agendas,” the primate warned. “The lectern is consecrated for reading God’s word, not for political statements.”
The guidelines stipulate that:
Politicians and other dignitaries must not speak from the church’s lectern or pulpit.
Any guest who wishes to address the congregation must first consult with church leadership for vetting.
Church leaders are to avoid statements or actions that may appear politically biased.
Clergy must refrain from publicly eulogising guests in a manner that could compromise the church’s moral authority.
The church said the move was necessary amid growing concern over the increasing use of religious platforms for partisan purposes, which threatens the church’s neutrality and its role as a moral guide.
While reaffirming the church’s commitment to engaging government on social and national issues, Ndukuba stressed that the Anglican Communion’s core mission is spiritual—not political.
“Our mission is to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth,” he said. “We will continue to uphold the nation in prayer and offer guidance to leaders, but we will not allow the church to be turned into a political arena.”
The directive takes immediate effect and has been circulated to all dioceses and parishes nationwide.
