Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Paul Enenche, has strongly rejected remarks attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahya Jingir, insisting that no religion holds superiority over Christianity in Nigeria. Speaking during Sunday service at the church's Abuja headquarters, Enenche told his congregation that Christians must not be treated as second-class citizens in their own country. He emphasized that Christians are present in significant numbers across every part of Nigeria and that the church remains a powerful institution in national life.
Enenche Warns Against Divisive Rhetoric
The pastor cautioned those he accused of making divisive statements not to take the Christian community for granted. He called on security agencies to monitor public comments capable of inciting violence. Enenche also challenged the contributions of those promoting such narratives to Nigeria's development, accusing them of fueling unnecessary discord.
His remarks come after a video of Jingir circulated on social media, in which the cleric urged Muslims to rally behind a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the 2027 general elections. Jingir made the comments at an event attended by Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi.
Jingir's Call for Muslim-Muslim Ticket
At the event, Jingir praised President Bola Tinubu for running with a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 presidential election and declared his personal support for the arrangement. He called on fellow Muslims to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of future polls, while acknowledging that Christians and members of other religious groups had opposed the arrangement.
Jingir's remarks have sparked reactions across the country, with many religious and political figures weighing in on the implications for national unity.
Fani-Kayode Weighs In
Nigeria's Ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, also criticised Jingir's comments, describing them as provocative and harmful to national unity. While saying he respected the cleric personally, Fani-Kayode argued the remarks risked inflaming an already sensitive religious environment.
He maintained that Nigeria is a secular, multi-religious state and does not belong exclusively to any single faith. Fani-Kayode added that his own backing for a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the coming election was based on his view of the candidates' competence and character, not their religion. He noted that future elections could just as easily produce a Christian-Christian ticket and urged Nigerians to keep political conversations focused on leadership and policy rather than faith.
The controversy underscores the delicate balance of religious considerations in Nigerian politics, with leaders from both sides calling for restraint and unity as the 2027 elections approach.
