Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Paul Enenche, has called for a credible population census that records religious affiliation in Nigeria, while warning against taking Christians for granted amid controversy over remarks by Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahya Sani Jingir.

Speaking during a sermon in Abuja on Sunday, August 16, 2026, Enenche challenged claims about the numerical strength of Christians and Muslims in Nigeria.

“If you think you are superior, why didn’t you people allow for the census all these while?” he asked.

He urged the Federal Government to conduct a credible census that allows citizens to state their religious affiliation.

“Conduct a credible census; let everybody tell you what they believe in, then you will be shocked that where you think you come from, there are Christians almost dominating in that place,” Enenche said.

‘Don’t Take Christians for Granted’

The pastor also issued a warning to political and religious actors who, in his view, underestimate the influence of Christians in Nigeria.

“Nobody should take Christian in this country for granted. Don’t take the church in Nigeria for granted,” he said.

Enenche further accused those behind ongoing violence and destruction in the country of contributing little to national development.

“They are not tired of bloodshed; they are not tired of destroying the nation. Ask yourself, what have you contributed to the development of this nation?” he said.

Jingir’s Remarks Trigger Controversy

Enenche’s comments followed controversial remarks attributed to Sheikh Yahya Sani Jingir, National Chairman of the Ulama Council of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS).

Jingir reportedly referred to Christians as “infidels”, claimed Muslims outnumber Christians in Nigeria and urged Muslims to support Muslim-Muslim political tickets. He also encouraged Muslims to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2027 elections.

The remarks were made around August 8 and 9, 2026, during an event in Kano linked to a mass wedding sponsored by the state government.

Calls for Accountability

Jingir’s comments have drawn condemnation from religious and human rights groups. The National Human Rights Commission described the remarks as hate speech and incitement and called for appropriate legal action.

Christian leaders, including representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the North and Prophet Isa El-Buba, also rejected the description of Christians as “infidels” and warned against rhetoric that could deepen religious tensions.

Some Muslim voices have similarly distanced themselves from Jingir’s comments, arguing that his position does not represent the views of Nigerian Muslims generally.

Religious Population Remains Disputed

Nigeria has not conducted a widely accepted national census that provides authoritative figures on the religious composition of its population. Claims about whether Christians or Muslims constitute a majority have therefore remained politically and socially sensitive.

Enenche’s call for a religious census has added a new dimension to the debate, particularly as political parties and religious groups begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The controversy over Sheikh Yahya Jingir’s remarks and Pastor Paul Enenche’s response continues to fuel discussion about religion, politics and Nigeria’s population figures.