Former Minister of Transportation and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of failing to show adequate respect for the Christian faith, particularly the Catholic Church.
Amaechi made the remarks on Tuesday during an appearance on Politics Today, a current affairs programme aired on Channels Television, where he spoke on issues relating to religion, governance and national unity.
According to the former Rivers State governor, his concerns are directed at what he described as the conduct of some individuals within the presidency whom he alleged have consistently targeted Christian leaders and institutions with public criticism.
Amaechi said he believes Nigeria’s diversity should be embraced rather than exploited, stressing that citizens should be free to practise their religions without fear of intimidation or disrespect.
He explained that religious tolerance has always been a guiding principle in his personal life, noting that despite being a Christian, he provides separate places of worship for both Muslims and Christians within his household.
”I don’t believe in ethnicity,” Amaechi said. “If you come to my house, there is a place for Muslims to worship because I have Muslim staff, and on the other side there is a chapel. You worship your God and I worship my God, but don’t insult my God.”
Drawing from a traditional proverb from his community, Amaechi argued that people should honour and protect their faith rather than ridicule the beliefs of others. He said mutual respect among different religious communities remains essential for peaceful coexistence in a multi-religious country like Nigeria.
The ADC vice-presidential candidate further alleged that President Tinubu’s administration has allowed what he described as “attack dogs” to repeatedly direct criticism at the Christian faith and the Catholic Church.
”My problem is with Tinubu and his aides,” Amaechi said. “He is sending out more attack dogs against the Church, and he has no respect for the Catholic Church and the Christian faith.”
He called on the presidency and political actors to refrain from statements or actions capable of creating religious tension, urging them to respect the leadership and institutions of the Christian faith.
”They should leave the Catholic Church alone. They should respect God and the Catholic faith. They should stop insulting Christians and the leadership of the Christian faith,” he added.
Amaechi’s comments come amid increasing political exchanges between opposition figures and the Federal Government as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum.
The Presidency has not issued an official response to Amaechi’s allegations as of the time of filing this report.
Observers have repeatedly called on political leaders across party lines to promote responsible public discourse and avoid rhetoric capable of deepening Nigeria’s religious or ethnic divisions. Nigeria remains one of the world’s most religiously diverse nations, making interfaith harmony an important component of national stability and democratic development.