Wike Accuses Opposition of Fueling False ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has come down hard on critics pushing claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.

He said the allegation is not only false, but a desperate political move designed to smear the Tinubu administration.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television in Abuja, Wike made it clear that those spreading the narrative are simply playing politics.

He described the claim as “a case of politics taken too far,” insisting the story is being pushed by opposition voices who are seeking to stir religious tension.

“I am a Nigerian and a full-blooded Christian… It is an indictment on me and my faith for anyone to allege that a government where I serve supports genocide against Christians. This is politics taken too far,” he said.

Wike explained that many top security heads under President Tinubu are Christians, noting it makes no sense to accuse the government of backing attacks on Christians.
He pointed out the Inspector-General of Police, the DSS Director-General, and the Chief of Defence Staff as examples.

“Tell me, how can any right-thinking person say that we, as Christians in this government, will sit back and watch our people being killed?” he asked.

According to him, no religion or group is being targeted, and the government is committed to protecting all citizens.

Wike also highlighted that President Bola Tinubu has no history of religious bias, reminding critics that the president’s wife is a pastor. “The President I know cannot shut his eyes to such atrocities,” he added.

When asked whether failure to stop killings could amount to complicity, the minister rejected the suggestion. He argued that the current administration has poured more resources into fighting insecurity than previous governments.

The former Rivers State Governor accused political rivals of recycling the same strategy used against former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

According to Wike, the opposition is trying to use religion to spark tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The opposition knows no party is currently strong enough to challenge President Tinubu, so they are desperate to create tension,” he said.

Wike stressed that terrorists and bandits have attacked both Christians and Muslims, long before Tinubu assumed office.

He urged both Nigerians and the international community not to fall for politically-motivated narratives designed to divide the country.

“I support any country willing to help Nigeria fight terrorism, but no one should use our internal challenges for politics,” he said, insisting the government is actively confronting insecurity.