LAGOS: Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, has reacted to controversial remarks by Kano-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir concerning Nigeria’s religious identity and the growing debate over the Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Oyedepo questioned the claim that Nigeria is an Islamic country, pointing to the large Christian population and the presence of major Christian worship centres across the country.
The bishop made the remarks while addressing worshippers, amid renewed controversy over comments attributed to Jingir in support of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
Jingir, a prominent Islamic cleric, had expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima continuing with a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2027 presidential election.
His position has generated reactions across religious and political circles, with some Christian leaders and political figures criticising the idea and warning against the politicisation of religion.
Reacting to the argument that Nigeria could be regarded as an Islamic nation, Oyedepo questioned the basis for such a description.
He reportedly cited the large congregations and nationwide reach of major Christian ministries, including the Living Faith Church, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Salvation Ministries and Dunamis International Gospel Centre.
The cleric’s comments come amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with religion increasingly featuring in discussions about political alliances, presidential tickets and national unity.
Oyedepo also made a cryptic prediction about developments in Nigeria, saying there would be “strange happenings” in the country within the next 12 months.
He did not provide details about what he meant by the statement or identify any specific event.
The remark has nevertheless attracted attention coming at a time when political parties and major political actors are already positioning themselves for the 2027 presidential contest.
The debate over the Muslim-Muslim ticket has remained one of the most sensitive political issues since Tinubu and Shettima emerged as the All Progressives Congress presidential and vice-presidential candidates in 2022.
Supporters of the arrangement have argued that political competence and national development should take precedence over religious considerations, while critics have raised concerns about religious balancing and representation.
The latest comments by Oyedepo and Jingir are therefore likely to add another dimension to the continuing debate over religion and politics in Nigeria.
With the 2027 election approaching, statements from influential Christian and Muslim leaders are expected to continue shaping public discourse, particularly on questions of religious tolerance, political representation and national cohesion.
For many Nigerians, the central issue remains whether political competition can be conducted without deepening the country’s existing religious and ethnic divisions.
