By Ayodele Oni
The President and founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, popular as Winners, Bishop David Oyedepo, has challenged Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir over comments reportedly suggesting that Nigeria belongs to the Muslim community.
Jingir was said to have made the remarks at a political gathering in Kano State, while explaining his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the January election.
The cleric reportedly argued that Muslims constitute the majority in Nigeria and described Christians as a minority.
Reacting in a sermon captured in a video circulating online, Oyedepo urged Nigerians to consider the size and influence of major Christian congregations across the country.
The Living Faith Church founder referenced prominent Christian ministries, including Redemption Camp, Salvation Ministries and Dunamis, while questioning the basis for describing Nigeria as an Islamic nation.
Oyedepo expressed strong disagreement with the claim, arguing that the presence and size of Christian congregations across the country contradict such a description.
The cleric also issued a warning about events he said could unfold in Nigeria over the next 12 months, urging Nigerians to pay attention to developments in the country.
Meanwhile, Jingir, who is Chairman of the Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), has denied claims that he harbours hatred towards Christians, describing such allegations as false and insisting that his recent comments were misunderstood.
Jingir made the clarification while speaking at a one-day national symposium in Jos themed, “Enhanced Political Participation and Social Justice as a Panacea for Unity and Development in Nigeria.”
Addressing the controversy, Jingir said his comments were not intended to portray hatred towards Christians or people of other faiths.
He explained that Islam promotes love, fairness and justice, regardless of religious affiliation, adding that Muslims would be held accountable for mistreating non-Muslims.
Jingir also cited the example of Prophet Muhammad’s peaceful relationship with people of other faiths, urging Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
The cleric further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors and other political leaders to govern with fairness and justice, regardless of religious or political differences.
He urged the President and other leaders to ensure that both Muslims and non-Muslims receive fair treatment while discharging their responsibilities.
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