Oyedepo Rejects Nigeria as Islamic Nation Amid Debate

During a Sunday service, Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of a prominent Christian ministry, strongly rejected the notion that Nigeria is an Islamic nation, stating that those who believe so "must be mad." His remarks were made in the context of a growing debate over Nigeria's religious identity as the 2027 general election approaches. Oyedepo pointed to the extensive reach of Christian ministries in Nigeria to challenge claims of the country being classified as an Islamic state.

His comments followed Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, Chairman of Jama'atu Izalatil Bid'a Wa'ikamatis Sunnah, who publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu's Muslim-Muslim ticket during a mass wedding event in Kano. Jingir defended his support for the ticket, stating that as a Muslim, he has the right to support it, despite some non-Muslims' objections.

Oyedepo's intervention indicates that religious leaders will play a significant role in the political discourse leading up to the 2027 elections.