The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has officially banned political speeches during church services to preserve the sanctity of worship and prevent partisan influence within its congregations
The announcement, made on Saturday, July 12, follows public outrage over comments made by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, at All Saints Anglican Church in Wuse, Abuja. During a church dedication, Wike used the pulpit to criticize political rivals and boast of his political strength—remarks that drew widespread condemnation for turning a religious event into a political platform.
In a statement signed by the Primate of the Church, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, after an Episcopal Consultation in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu State, the Church declared that no politician or public official will henceforth be permitted to speak from the pulpit, lectern, or any sacred space during services, except for purely spiritual purposes.
“The Church must remain a place of spiritual refuge, not a platform for partisan messaging,” the Primate stated.
“We welcome all, including public officials, but we will not allow our worship to be politicised.”
New directives issued by the Church further prohibit clergy and officials from offering undue praise or political endorsements when hosting dignitaries. Politicians and government figures may only address the congregation if granted prior approval by church leadership, and even then, only for reasons aligned with worship or scriptural readings.
All parishes across Nigeria have been instructed to ensure services remain free from any form of political posturing, with sacred spaces now restricted solely to ordained ministers for preaching and scripture.
While reaffirming its commitment to praying for and engaging with political leaders on national issues, the Church emphasized it must not be used as a tool for political campaigns or propaganda.
Founded in 1979 after gaining autonomy from the Church of England’s Province of West Africa, the Church of Nigeria is one of the world’s largest Anglican provinces, with over 20 million members. Known for its strict adherence to biblical teachings and moral discipline, the Church has consistently played a major role in shaping ethical conversations in Nigeria—without aligning itself to any political party.
The new guidelines underscore the Church’s determination to protect its spiritual mission from political interference.
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