Bwala Critiques Onaiyekan's Economic Comments on Christians

Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, criticized Cardinal John Onaiyekan for his comments regarding Nigeria's economy and insecurity, claiming that Onaiyekan spoke solely for the Catholic Church and not for Christians as a whole. Onaiyekan had made his remarks during an interview on Arise News, following a meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and President Tinubu on July 28, 2026.

Bwala accused Onaiyekan of aligning with institutions supporting Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential hopeful for 2027, and stated that not all Catholic members back Obi. He emphasized that President Tinubu had the right to disagree with the bishops' assessment of the economy.

Bwala also pointed out inconsistencies in the cleric's stance, arguing that priests would silence their members for voicing economic hardships. He asserted that a neutral body representing all Christians already existed, which should not be politicized.

Onaiyekan defended the bishops' role in addressing issues affecting Nigerians and called for electoral reforms.