Dr. Paul Enenche, Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, has issued a fierce condemnation of prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Muhammadu Sani Yahaya Jingir over recent controversial statements regarding Nigeria’s religious demographics and political landscape.
Reactions flared after Sheikh Jingir, speaking during a political gathering in Kano State, claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket demonstrated that Muslims outnumber Christians in Nigeria. Jingir further sparked outrage by calling on Muslims to maintain the ticket to “show the infidels their limit” and preserve political control, leading to strong pushback from civil rights groups and Christian leaders.
Calls for Security Intervention
Speaking out against the cleric’s comments, Pastor Enenche expressed outrage at the inflammatory nature of the remarks and called on federal security agencies to immediately step in.
Enenche argued that allowing individuals to publicly make divisive and extremist statements poses a direct threat to national peace and security.
“Such people belong either in prison or a psychiatric hospital,” Enenche stated. “It’s time for the Nigerian government to call such people to order. I blame the security forces for allowing people who make such statements to move freely on the streets.”
Rising Tensions Over Religious Rhetoric
The clash highlights the continuing sensitivity surrounding religion and politics in Nigeria. The introduction of the same-faith presidential ticket during the 2023 elections remains a deeply polarizing topic, with critics arguing it undermines religious balance in a nation roughly split between Christians and Muslims.
As political discussions intensify, rights groups including the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have warned against incendiary language from religious figures that could incite communal conflict or destabilize public safety ahead of upcoming political cycles.
Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement regarding calls for Sheikh Jingir’s arrest or questioning.
