Church Of Nigeria Clarifies FCT Minister’s Thanksgiving Service, Reaffirms Apolitical Stance

The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has clarified the circumstances surrounding a recent thanksgiving service held at St. James Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, in honour of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, led by Minister of FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike.

Korede Akintunde, Director of Communications for the Church of Nigeria, addressed concerns raised by media coverage of the service on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

The statement aims to provide context and dispel any misconceptions about the event and the Church’s involvement.

According to Akintunde, the service was primarily intended to thank God for the successful completion and inauguration of various projects undertaken within the FCT over a 16-day period, as highlighted by Minister Wike.

“The Minister, as a well-known and respected Anglican, attended the service to worship and give thanks, just like any other member of our faith,” Akintunde stated.

The statement addressed the homily delivered by the Vicar of St. James Anglican Church, clarifying that while the Minister was commended for the “giant strides and structural development” evident across the six Area Councils of the FCT, the opportunity was also used to draw attention to an area that required additional attention – specifically, a road project in Abuja’s Zhidu District.

“This is similar to any constituent bringing to the attention of their leaders areas of need,” Akintunde explained.

“While it is not inappropriate for the Church to make requests as a member of the FCT, the road project was mentioned because it would significantly open up the Zhidu area for further development, complementing the Church’s existing initiatives. It was a call to collaborate, not an expectation of preferential treatment.”

The Church also denied that the service provided a forum for political debate. “The Church did not provide the Minister with a platform for political discussions or jabs, but rather to share testimony about the projects commissioned.

“The Minster’s comments are his own and do not represent the views of the Parish leadership or the Church of Nigeria,” the statement clarified.

Akintunde emphasised the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, and Diocese of Abuja’s commitment to remaining apolitical, claiming that the church has members from all political parties and supports them all with prayers and moral advice.

“The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, and the Diocese of Abuja remain apolitical because it has members in all political parties and supports all of its members through prayers and moral advice to help them succeed and make the country a better place for citizens,” Akintunde stated.

The statement urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation and to exercise caution when making unfounded statements.

The Church has stated that it will take steps to prevent such misunderstandings from occurring again in the future.