Following a politically charged speech by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has given new directives barring politicians and public officials from addressing congregations from the pulpit during church services and events.
The move comes after Wike used the pulpit at St James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja, during a thanksgiving service, to launch partisan attacks.
He criticised the church for nearly making a “costly mistake” in the 2023 elections, took a swipe at Labour Party’s Peter Obi, saying he would “never be president,” and made politically loaded remarks about the state of the nation before President Bola Tinubu assumed office.
The Primate of the Church, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, announced the decision in a memo signed on Saturday following an episcopal consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu State.
According to the memo, the new guidelines are designed to preserve the sanctity of worship and prevent the growing trend of churches being used as platforms for political messaging.
The church said the guidelines are meant “to ensure that the church remains a place of worship, unity, and spiritual guidance, free from the distractions and divisions of partisan politics.”
A key part of the directive is the reaffirmation that only clergy or those appointed to read the Word of God may use the church’s consecrated lectern, effectively restricting political figures from addressing worshippers during services.
The memo, distributed to parishes nationwide, encourages the welcoming of dignitaries but clearly emphasizes that the church must maintain its non-partisan identity..
“Politicians and government officials are to be clearly informed that church platforms are not to be used for partisan speeches or political propaganda,” the directive states.
Church leaders are also warned against making politically suggestive remarks or openly praising guests in a way that could damage the church’s moral standing.
“However, it draws a clear line against any form of partisanship or conduct that could sow division among congregants,” the memo states.
According to Ndukuba, while the church values its role as a moral compass and its duty to engage with government on matters affecting the faithful, its primary mission remains spiritual.
“While affirming its role as a moral compass in society and its responsibility to engage with government authorities on issues affecting the faithful, the church insists that its primary mandate remains spiritual,” he said.
The primate concluded by reaffirming the church’s identity as “the light of the world and the salt of the earth,” emphasizing its commitment to pray for the nation and provide moral leadership—without descending into political partisanship.
