Nyesom Wike slams opposition for using the US CPC declaration to push a political agenda against President Bola Tinubu, calling the claims false and divisive

Nyesom Wike has criticised opposition figures for allegedly exploiting the United States declaration of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) to promote a political agenda aimed at discrediting President Bola Tinubu.

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Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Monday, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) dismissed reports of widespread persecution of Christians in Nigeria as politically motivated falsehoods designed to inflame religious tension ahead of the 2027 elections.

Wike said the suggestion that the Tinubu administration condones attacks on Christians was baseless, adding that the opposition was attempting to destabilise the country through divisive narratives.

“Nobody will be happy for the death of anybody, whether a Christian or a Muslim. No right-thinking person would say they are happy that people are being killed — not the President I know,” Wike said.

He argued that the structure of the administration itself disproves the allegation, citing the presence of Christians in key government roles.

“The former Chief of Defence was a Christian. The Secretary to the Government is a Christian. How can anybody say this government supports the killing of our own people? It is politics taken too far,” he said.

Wike questioned the credibility of information being cited by former US President Donald Trump, who had called for possible military action against Nigeria over alleged religious persecution.

“I don’t know where the Trump administration is getting the information. But nobody can say this government is stoking fire so that a particular religion is being violated. That is not correct,” the minister said.

When asked whether the CPC controversy was part of a political scheme to weaken Tinubu ahead of 2027, Wike responded affirmatively.

“Yes, it is a plot,” he said. “The opposition today has seen that no party is ready or prepared to challenge the President’s return to power. What do we do? Bring up something that can divide the country.”

The minister stressed that terrorism affects all groups in Nigeria, not just Christians.

“Terrorists are killing Christians. Terrorists are killing Muslims. Terrorists are killing non-believers. Nobody should be happy,” he said.

Wike warned against any foreign intervention, saying it would worsen Nigeria’s internal challenges.

“An invasion of Nigeria is not in the interest of any Nigerian. Look at Somalia, Libya, Iraq — after foreign forces come in, those countries become destabilised,” he cautioned.

He added that the government remains committed to tackling insecurity, emphasising that meaningful progress depends on unity and collective resolve.

The controversy follows reports that Donald Trump declared Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern over alleged Christian genocide and ordered the US Department of War to prepare for “possible action” should the killings continue.

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The Family Research Council explained that the CPC label is typically issued by the US Secretary of State to countries accused of violating international human rights standards.