Onaiyekan Supports Nobody, He’s Only Worried About Poverty, Corruption – Amaechi
05th August, 2026 | News
Amaechi Defends Cardinal Onaiyekan, Says His Criticism of Tinubu Reflects Nigerians’ Hardships
Former Minister of Transportation and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Rotimi Amaechi, has defended Cardinal John Onaiyekan against claims that his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration was politically motivated.
Speaking on Politics Today on Tuesday, Amaechi said the former Archbishop of Abuja was not aligned with any political party or candidate but was simply voicing concerns about the widespread hardship, poverty and corruption affecting Nigerians.
Amaechi explained that he knows the Cardinal personally and worships regularly in his private chapel, stressing that Onaiyekan’s comments stem from genuine concern for the nation’s wellbeing rather than political interests.
According to him, attempts to portray the Cardinal’s remarks as politically motivated amount to efforts to intimidate not only the cleric but also ordinary Nigerians who speak out on national issues.
He maintained that religious leaders have a moral responsibility to hold governments accountable whenever citizens are suffering and urged public officials to engage them with respect instead of attempting to silence their voices.
The controversy followed a recent meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), during which Cardinal Onaiyekan said the bishops informed the President that Nigeria was “bleeding” due to worsening economic hardship. He also disclosed that concerns were raised about the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
His comments drew criticism from the Presidency, with presidential aides accusing him of misrepresenting the private meeting and defending the administration’s economic reforms. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, also questioned the Cardinal’s neutrality, alleging political bias.
However, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar joined Amaechi in supporting the Cardinal, urging the Federal Government to focus on addressing the country’s economic and security challenges rather than criticising religious leaders who speak on national issues.