Pastor Paul Enenche Reacts to Muslim-Muslim Ticket Debate, Says Christianity Is Not Secondary in Nigeria

The Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Paul Enenche, has rejected suggestions that Christianity is subordinate to any other religion in Nigeria, warning against statements he said could deepen religious tensions in the country.

Enenche spoke during the church’s Sunday service at its headquarters in Abuja, following comments attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahya Jingir in support of the continued adoption of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A video of Enenche’s sermon was later shared on his X account with the caption, “NOBODY SHOULD TAKE THE BODY OF CHRIST FOR GRANTED!”

In the sermon, Enenche strongly criticised anyone suggesting that Christians were a secondary religious group in Nigeria.

“I heard from a friend what was going on, where I think an insane man came up to say that Christianity is subordinate to any other religion in this country,” he said.

“Christianity is not secondary, and no group of religious fanatics will ever make it secondary.”

The pastor argued that Christians were present in significant numbers across the country and said no political or religious group could diminish their place in Nigeria.

“Not you, not any political group of people will ever make Christianity secondary to any other religion. If you have sense, take a look around,” he said.

“There is no part of Nigeria where Christians don’t exist en masse.”

Enenche also warned political and religious leaders against making comments that could inflame religious sentiments, urging them to consider the consequences of their words on national unity and stability.

He further called on security agencies to pay attention to public statements capable of inciting violence, stressing that reckless comments could threaten peace in the country.

His reaction came after remarks reportedly made by Sheikh Yahya Jingir at an event attended by prominent political figures, including Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi.

Jingir had praised President Bola Tinubu for fielding a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 presidential election and declared his support for the political arrangement.

“Special thanks to my political hero, Bola Tinubu, who raised the flag of this political ideology, describing it as a purely Muslim-Muslim coalition,” the cleric said.

“I am among the staunch advocates of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, and I call on you to come together for Muslim-Muslim ticket.”

He also encouraged Muslims to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of future elections, while acknowledging that Christians and members of other religious groups had expressed reservations about the Muslim-Muslim arrangement.

The exchange has added fresh fuel to Nigeria’s long-running debate over religious representation in politics, with the 2027 elections already generating heightened discussions around the balance of religious and regional interests.

Enenche, however, maintained that the Christian community should not be taken for granted, insisting that the church would remain a significant force in Nigeria.