Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the presidency’s recent remarks regarding the Catholic Church and John Cardinal Onaiyekan, characterizing the response as an attack on a vital moral institution and an indicator of growing intolerance toward dissenting views.

In a statement issued through his office, Atiku demanded an immediate and unreserved apology from the presidency directed at the former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja and the broader Catholic community. He described the administration's reaction to the clerics as disrespectful and inappropriate for a democratic government, asserting that the presidency chose political attacks over introspection following assessments delivered by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria regarding the nation's condition.

Atiku praised the Catholic Church for its historical role in advocating for vulnerable populations, emphasizing that religious leaders maintain a duty to address governance concerns regardless of who holds office. He commended the bishops for directly raising issues concerning the country's economic and political climate, while encouraging other religious leaders to maintain similar engagement.

Furthermore, Atiku defended Cardinal Onaiyekan's decision to discuss the meeting with the media, arguing that the interview was a necessary effort to present factual context following the government's public statements. He accused administration officials of attempting to reframe the dialogue to favor the government, warning that such actions undermine the credibility of independent institutions.

Concluding his statement, the former vice president maintained that public confidence is better secured through constructive responses to criticism rather than personal attacks, reiterating his call for a formal apology to the church and its leadership.