Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, has forcefully rejected the idea that Nigeria is an Islamic nation, saying those who hold that view "must be mad." The bishop made the remarks during his Sunday service, entering a debate over Nigeria's religious identity that has grown louder as the country approaches the 2027 general election.
Oyedepo's Response to Sheikh Jingir's Claim
Pointing to the reach and size of prominent Christian ministries across the country, Oyedepo challenged the basis for any claim that Nigeria could be classified as an Islamic state. "Watch Redemption Camp, watch Salvation Ministries, watch Dunamis, watch various churches in Nigeria and somebody will stand and say Nigeria is an Islamic nation. Is he mad? Yes, he must be mad," the bishop said.
The comments come amid a widening national conversation on religion and electoral politics, sparked in part by remarks from Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, Chairman of Jama'atu Izalatil Bid'a Wa'ikamatis Sunnah.
Oyedepo's Cryptic Prediction
Beyond the religious identity debate, Oyedepo raised eyebrows with a vague prophecy, telling his congregation that "there shall be strange happenings between now and the next 12 months in Nigeria." He offered no further explanation of what he meant.
Jingir's Support for Muslim-Muslim Ticket
Jingir had publicly backed President Bola Tinubu's Muslim-Muslim ticket during a mass wedding organised by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples, where he also declared his support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
"My candidate is Bola Ahmad Bola Tinubu. The President selected a Muslim as his vice. I am one of those who called people to support the Muslim-Muslim ticket. I know some non-Muslims don't like the word Muslim-Muslim," Jingir said.
He also defended his position, asking: "As a Muslim who preaches Islam, if I support Muslim-Muslim, what is my offence? What have I done wrong? I don't stop anyone who believes or supports another candidate from doing the same."
Kwankwaso Criticises Sheikh Jingir
Legit.ng earlier reported that NDC vice presidential candidate Kwankwaso spoke out against remarks made by Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir at a Kano government event over the weekend. Jingir's comments, which went viral, included claims that Nigeria is an Islamic state and that Christians carried out a Kano mosque bombing.
Kwankwaso linked the controversy to the 2027 elections, saying Nigerians would have a chance to judge the current administration at the ballot box. Oyedepo's intervention signals that religious leaders on both sides of Nigeria's faith divide are likely to play an increasingly prominent role in political discourse as the 2027 election draws closer.
