Anglican Church bans political speeches from pulpit after Wike’s outburst

Summary

• Politicians barred from making partisan remarks during church services
• Move follows controversial thanksgiving speech by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike
• Church vows to preserve spiritual sanctity and remain non-partisan

Abuja, Nigeria – The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has announced a sweeping ban on political speeches and partisan rhetoric from the pulpit, following public backlash over a recent outburst by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during a church service in Abuja.

Formalised in a memo signed by the Primate, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, and released on 11 July 2025, the directive aims to preserve the sacredness of Anglican worship spaces and reinforce the Church’s commitment to neutrality amid Nigeria’s increasingly polarised political environment.

Wike’s controversial remarks, made during a thanksgiving service at St. James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, drew criticism for their overtly partisan tone. The incident prompted widespread debate on social media and within religious circles about the propriety of political speech in sacred spaces.

In response, the Anglican Communion issued clear guidelines, now in effect across all parishes nationwide. Among the key provisions:

• Only ordained ministers are permitted to speak from the pulpit, lectern, or altar, which are considered sacred and reserved for preaching and scripture reading.
• Politicians and other public guests must be explicitly informed that church platforms are not available for political campaigning or partisan commentary.
• Clergy are advised to avoid public endorsements or excessive praise of political figures to prevent any perception of alignment with political interests.

While reaffirming the church’s openness to all, including public officials, the Anglican leadership emphasised that spiritual unity must not be compromised by political affiliations or rhetoric. The directive follows an episcopal consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu.

The policy has received widespread support on social media and in broader public discourse, with many Nigerians praising the move as timely and necessary. Some users specifically referenced Wike’s remarks as an example of behaviour unbecoming of a sacred setting, urging other religious bodies to follow suit.

This development also sheds light on growing concerns over the politicisation of religious gatherings in Nigeria. Churches have occasionally become campaign platforms for politicians seeking spiritual legitimacy and voter sympathy.

The Anglican Communion’s decision seeks to ensure that its services remain focused on gospel-centred teachings and the spiritual well-being of congregants, rather than partisan interests. The Church’s firm stance is being seen as a model for how faith institutions can engage responsibly with public life without becoming entangled in the fray.