There is no end yet to the reactions trailing the recent anti-Christian comments by an Islamic cleric, Yahya Jingir, in Kano. This time, it is coming from a renowned vocal Christian cleric, Prophet Isa El-Buba.

The General Overseer of El-Buba Outreach Ministries has strongly condemned Jingir’s statement, insisting that Nigeria belongs to both Christians and Muslims. He maintained that the likes of Jingir should be picked up for his comments.

In a video posted on Youtube, El-Buba rejected the description of Christians as infidels and criticised the use of religious identity to promote political or sectional interests.

Referring to Jingir, he said: “These are the kind of people I suppose that government should pick. But I can see the governor of Kano State; this is how terrible you people are in Northern Nigeria, some of you. This is how you think. People that are brainless. Somebody is standing there, shouting Muslim-Muslim, calling Christians infidels.”

The latest derogatory comment by an Islamic leader has renewed debate over the role of religious leaders in Nigeria’s political discourse, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Before now, Jingir had triggered controversy over his opposition to the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. He described the appointment as a “risk of the highest order” and questioned the decision to appoint a Christian to head the electoral body.

As reactions to the latest video continue, religious and community leaders are being urged to use their platforms to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national cohesion rather than rhetoric capable of setting Nigerians against one another.