NCPC boss Adegbite cautions Onaiyekan against attacking rival candidates

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Stephen Adegbite, has advised former Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, to avoid disparaging political opponents while supporting his preferred presidential candidate.

Adegbite made the remarks on Friday during an interview on TVC, while reacting to comments made by Onaiyekan after the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria met with President Bola Tinubu at the State House.

The Catholic bishops, led by Matthew Ndagoso, met with Tinubu on July 28 to discuss concerns about insecurity and the country’s economic situation.

Speaking after the meeting, Onaiyekan criticised the administration and alleged that some people around the president were presenting a “rosy picture” of the country.

He also warned that the government appeared determined to win future elections “by all means”.

The comments triggered reactions from government officials and supporters of the administration, with some accusing the former archbishop of taking a partisan position.

Adegbite said Onaiyekan, like every Nigerian, had the right to support any presidential candidate but should focus on promoting his preferred candidate rather than attacking others.

He recalled Onaiyekan’s position after the 2023 presidential election, when the cleric said he would not recognise Tinubu as president until the Supreme Court determined the election petitions.

Adegbite said the election had nevertheless produced a president and urged Nigerians to respect the outcome of the democratic process.

“We have no problem with you having your own candidate. You can have your preferred candidate, but don’t run down other people’s candidates,” he said.