Wike Faults Opposition Over Trump’s Religious Allegations Against Nigeria

• FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has accused opposition leaders of fueling former US President Donald Trump’s claim that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria.
• He described the move as “politics too far,” alleging it was a strategy to divide the nation along religious lines ahead of the 2027 election.
• Wike dismissed the persecution claims, noting that several top security officials in Nigeria are Christians, which contradicts the genocide narrative.
• His remarks follow Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” a decision the Nigerian government has rejected as misleading.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has accused opposition leaders of using religion as a political weapon following former US President Donald Trump’s claim that Christians are being targeted in Nigeria.

Wike alleged that the opposition influenced Trump’s remarks, calling it “politics too far.” He said their aim is to divide the country along religious lines, as no party is currently strong enough to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

He argued that the claim of Christian persecution is baseless, noting that key government officials such as the Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector General of Police, and DSS Director are Christians.

Wike maintained that no Nigerian leader supports the killing of any group. His comments come after Trump designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious freedom violations a move the Nigerian government has rejected as inaccurate.