Politics Isn’t Church, I’m Not a Pastor — Wike Defends Political Style

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has said his Christian faith should not be mistaken for a pastoral calling, insisting that politics operates under a different set of rules.

Speaking during a special media chat in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike dismissed criticism of his political conduct, saying those comparing him to his late father, a gospel preacher, misunderstand the nature of politics.

His comments were shared by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, via X.

“Politics is not like church. I’m a Christian but not a pastor. That my father is a pastor does not make me a pastor,” Wike said.

The former Rivers State governor used his own family as an example, arguing that children are not bound to follow their parents’ professions.

“I am a lawyer but my second son is not a lawyer, so because his mother is a judge, does that make my son a judge?” he asked.

According to Wike, politics demands a different approach from religious leadership.

“The point is that, if you want to be a politician, there are rules and if you want to be a pastor, there are rules.

“That is why when I hear people saying they are angry because this happened, that happened, I say you are talking theory,” he stated.

The FCT minister made the remarks amid ongoing criticism of his political approach, especially his lingering dispute with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

He was responding to claims that his actions in Rivers State were motivated by a desire to retain control of the state’s political structure after his tenure as governor ended.

Africans Angle News