By Ayodele Comfort;
Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, has rejected claims that Nigeria is an Islamic nation, describing such a position as false and challenging Nigerians to consider the significant presence of Christianity across the country.
Oyedepo made the remarks during a church service on Sunday, August 23, 2026, against the backdrop of a growing debate over religion and politics ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The bishop pointed to the size and activities of major Christian ministries, including Redemption Camp, Salvation Ministries and Dunamis, as evidence of Christianity’s strong presence in Nigeria.
He questioned how anyone could describe Nigeria as an Islamic nation while large Christian congregations and ministries operate across the country.
The remarks appeared to be a response to recent comments by Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, chairman of the Council of Ulama of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’iqamatis Sunnah. Jingir had publicly defended his support for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 election and described Muslims as the majority in Nigeria.
The controversy has intensified discussions about religious identity, political representation and the role of faith in Nigeria’s electoral politics.
Oyedepo also attracted attention with a warning about Nigeria’s future. He told his congregation that “strange happenings” would occur in the country within the next 12 months, although he did not provide details about what he meant by the statement.
The comments come after the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), jointly led by the Sultan of Sokoto and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, condemned earlier remarks attributed to Jingir as potentially divisive and harmful to religious harmony.
Jingir has since said that his remarks were misunderstood and denied that he harbours hatred toward Christians. He maintained that Islam teaches justice, fairness and peaceful coexistence with people of other faiths.
The exchange between the two religious leaders has added to concerns about the increasing intersection of religion and politics as Nigeria approaches the 2027 presidential election.
Religious and political observers are expected to continue watching the debate closely, particularly as political parties and candidates begin positioning themselves ahead of the election
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