Anglican Church bans politicians from pulpits after Wike’s controversial remarks in Abuja

By Kunle Sanni –

The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has issued a directive barring politicians and government officials from addressing congregations during church services, following widespread backlash over a controversial speech by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The decision follows Wike’s partisan remarks at All Saints Anglican Church in Wuse, Abuja, where he used the pulpit during a dedication service to criticise political opponents and boast of his influence in the FCT.

His comments, widely seen as inappropriate and inflammatory, sparked public outrage and renewed calls for the Church to maintain its neutrality in Nigeria’s politically charged environment.

In a directive issued Saturday and signed by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, the Anglican Church declared that consecrated spaces such as the pulpit, lectern, and altar must be reserved strictly for worship and the reading of scripture—not political commentary.

“The Church must remain a place of spiritual refuge, not a platform for partisan messaging,” the Primate stated. “We welcome everyone, including public officials, but we will not allow our worship to be politicised.”

The directive was announced following an Episcopal Consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu State, and is aimed at preserving the sanctity of Anglican worship amid growing concerns over the politicisation of religious gatherings.

The move is seen as a response to what Church leaders describe as an increasing trend of political interference in religious services—exemplified by Wike’s recent appearance, which many believe crossed the line between faith and politics.

By enforcing this ban, the Anglican Church says it seeks to reaffirm its role as a spiritual sanctuary, free from the divisive rhetoric of Nigeria’s political arena.