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By Oscar Okhifo
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed allegations of a coordinated genocide against Christians in Nigeria, insisting the claims are false, exaggerated and being deliberately pushed to sow religious tension across the country.
Wike, who spoke on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today monitored by Pointblank news, said those pushing the narrative were only seeking to weaponize religion ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to him, the opposition has realised that they lack the political capacity to unseat President Bola Tinubu and have therefore resorted to propaganda that could inflame religious tensions.
“It is very obvious that the opposition today has seen that no party is prepared to challenge the President returning to power,” Wike said.
“What do we do? One of the things to do is bring up such a thing that will divide the country.”
The minister argued that the structure of the current administration contradicts any claims of targeted attacks against Christians, noting that several top security chiefs, including the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services, and the Chief of Defence Staff , are Christians.
“The problem we have today is that no right-thinking person will think that we will sit in a government and support the killing of our own people,” he added.
Wike also suggested that foreign actors may have been misled by distorted information, cautioning against narratives that could damage Nigeria’s global image or justify unwarranted external interference.
The allegation of genocide has intensified following comments from political figures in the United States accusing Nigeria of religious persecution, leading to diplomatic unease between both countries.
However, the Nigerian government maintains that while the nation continues to battle banditry, terrorism and other security threats, there is no policy or coordinated effort to wipe out Christians.
Wike urged leaders and citizens alike to reject divisive rhetoric and support ongoing security reforms aimed at restoring peace Nationwide.