The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has officially banned politicians and government officials from addressing congregations from the pulpit, following a recent political outburst by Minister Nyesom Wike during a church service.
The directive, announced at the Episcopal Consultation in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu, is aimed at preserving the sanctity of worship and shielding the Church from partisan influence. In a memo signed by the Primate, Most Revd Dr Henry Ndukuba, the Church emphasized its position of political neutrality and warned clergy against allowing their platforms to be used for political endorsements or divisive rhetoric.
“The Church must steer clear of speeches or actions that promote division or political bias within the body of Christ,” the memo stated, adding that only God’s Word should be read from the lectern.
The move comes in response to Wike’s controversial remarks during a thanksgiving service at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, where he harshly criticized the Labour Party’s Peter Obi and praised President Tinubu’s administration, framing the 2023 elections as a near-miss for the country.
While politicians are still welcome to attend services, the Church has made it clear that its altars must not be platforms for political propaganda. Quoting Matthew 5:13–14, the Church reaffirmed its spiritual mission to be “the salt of the earth and light of the world,” while pledging continued engagement with national issues—without compromising its core values.
