*Politics and faith have always intersected in Nigeria. The pulpit has shaped public opinion and men of God have often spoken truth to power. But when religious institutions lean too far into partisan politics, the line between moral guidance and political strategy begins to blur. The recent exchange between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and some leaders of the Catholic Church brings that tension into sharp focus.*
The Catholic Church in Nigeria is a formidable institution. From Enugu to Anambra, Owerri to Benue and Kaduna, and Ibadan to Abeokuta, its voice carries weight. History shows how Bishops and priests have shaped elections, defended the poor and stood as moral beacons during military rule. Archbishop Anthony Obinna of Owerri, for example, was widely regarded as “The Activist Bishop”, a voice of courage when democracy was fragile. In many communities, the Church remains the conscience of the people.
That influence, however, is most effective when it is perceived as above party. Once a religious body is seen to have “put all its eggs in one basket”, its moral authority becomes entangled with political outcomes.
The 2023 general election was that moment for a section of the Catholic hierarchy. The Church, openly or by posture, aligned with one candidate. The campaign against a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket was presented as a matter of principle, but many Nigerians read it, rightly or wrongly, as a political preference. When that candidate did not win, the relationship between that bloc of the Church and the new administration started on a note of distrust.
President Tinubu is a politician in the mould of Lagos, transactional, strategic and unafraid of opposition. According to accounts of the recent meeting with the Bishops, he did not dismiss them. He simply stated his position: he is pursuing a $1 trillion economy vision and he intends to stay the course through 2031. For men accustomed to being heard and heeded, that was not the answer they expected. Hence the public comments afterward questioning the credibility of 2027.
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But can we blame a President for not accepting the verdict of those he believes campaigned against him? Politics, unlike pastoral care, is a contest of interests. Only a naïve leader treats the assessment of his opponents as gospel.
This is not to say the Bishops have no right to speak. They do. On hunger, insecurity, cost of living and governance, their voice is needed. Nigerians expect moral institutions to hold government accountable. But the weight of that critique depends on credibility. When a religious body is perceived to have taken sides in an election, its post-election criticism will be read through that political lens.
There is a contrast worth noting. Figures like Pastor Enoch Adeboye and Pastor W.F. Kumuyi rarely wade into partisan fights. Their interventions are usually framed around unity, prayer and national stability. Because of that posture, when they speak to power, government and citizens listen differently. They are seen as stakeholders, not partisans.
What lesson should stakeholders, religious or otherwise, take from this? First, do not gamble all your influence on one political outcome. Nigeria is too diverse for any single bloc, ethnic, regional, or religious to decide its fate alone. Second, separate moral advocacy from partisan alignment. The moment a church or mosque is branded as the campaign office of a candidate, its ability to speak to the next government is weakened. Third, engage power with clarity, not veiled threats. “The economy is harsh” is a valid concern. But if it is delivered as a bargaining chip, it will be received as politics, not prophecy.
President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops do not owe each other blind allegiance. The President owes Nigerians good governance. The Bishops owe Nigerians moral leadership. Both can coexist without one demanding submission from the other.
Nigeria needs the Church. Nigeria also needs a government that can make hard, unpopular decisions without fear. The test in the years ahead is whether both can respect that boundary: the Church speaking truth without playing kingmaker and the State listening without feeling cornered.
If we get that balance right, democracy will be stronger for it. If we don’t, we will keep mistaking politics for prophecy and both faith and governance will suffer for it.
Tunji Oladejo, mnipr, JP, MANUPA, mspsp, writes from the University of Ibadan, via oladejo65@gmail.com. 08077284442
