Dachomo Rejects Jingir's Claim Nigeria Is Muslim

Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations for Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, has firmly rejected claims by Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir that Nigeria is a Muslim country.

Jingir, a Jos-based Islamic scholar, made the comments during a programme in Kano State over the weekend. He voiced support for continuing a Muslim-Muslim political arrangement, arguing that Muslims form the country's majority and should therefore have the opportunity to lead it.

During the same address, Jingir also referred to Nigerian Christians as infidels, suggesting they were free to leave the country if they were unhappy with such an arrangement. His remarks have since drawn condemnation from multiple quarters, including a formal call from the National Human Rights Commission for his arrest and prosecution over alleged hate speech.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Dachomo pushed back firmly on the premise of Jingir's claim.

"Nigeria is a multi-religious country in which Muslims and Christians have historically participated in the political process and contributed to the development of the nation," he said.

While he strongly disagreed with Jingir's position, Dachomo also cautioned against language that could deepen division, urging the cleric to avoid statements capable of inciting hostility between Muslims and Christians.

Dachomo argued that political leadership in Nigeria should be determined by ability, not religious headcount.

"I urge religious leaders to be mindful of their public statements, particularly when discussing politics and issues capable of affecting relations between different religious communities," he said.

He was direct about the risk of tying political power to religious majority.

"Linking political leadership to religious majority could create a perception that one faith has greater ownership of the country than another," Dachomo added.

He maintained that competence, fairness, good administration, and a leader's ability to protect the lives and property of all citizens, regardless of faith, should guide how Nigerians choose their leaders.

Dachomo has been an outspoken and, at times, controversial figure in Nigeria's religious and political discourse, particularly around violence in Plateau State and the Middle Belt. This particular statement stands out for its call toward measured dialogue rather than escalation, framed explicitly as a plea for restraint on all sides.