THIS DAWN — A recent post by Deacon Nick Donnelly has ignited fierce debate over the role of Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Nigeria’s religious and political landscape.
Donnelly asserted that Nigeria has been “incorporated as an Islamic country” and that hundreds of thousands of Christians have been slaughtered by Islamist terrorists allegedly supported by Turkey and Qatar.
The claims have drawn both support and condemnation across social and political circles.
See OIC joint statement below:
Gumi’s Influence and Controversial Stance
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, has long courted controversy for his outspoken views and engagement with armed groups in northern Nigeria.
He has positioned himself as a mediator between the Nigerian government and bandits, often calling for dialogue rather than military confrontation.
Critics, however, accuse him of sympathizing with extremist factions and undermining national security efforts.
In recent statements, Gumi condemned U.S. airstrikes targeting ISIS-linked militants in Sokoto State, describing them as a “neo-crusade against Islam”.
He warned that foreign military involvement could polarize Nigeria along religious lines and exacerbate tensions.
Gumi also urged the Nigerian government to halt cooperation with the U.S. and instead seek assistance from “neutral” countries like Turkey, China, and Pakistan.
These remarks have fueled suspicions about Gumi’s ideological leanings and his alleged alignment with foreign Islamist interests.
His critics argue that such positions embolden terrorist groups and contribute to the marginalization of Christian communities.
Allegations of Genocide and Foreign Military Support
Donnelly’s post goes further, accusing Turkey and Qatar of providing military support to Islamist terrorists responsible for the mass killing of Christians in Nigeria.
While these claims remain unverified, they echo concerns raised by international observers and human rights organizations about the escalating violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and northern regions.
Reports have documented attacks by Boko Haram and Fulani militants on Christian villages, churches, and schools.
Victims are often targeted based on religious identity, with incidents involving executions, abductions, and destruction of property.
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has estimated that over 100,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria since 2009, though figures vary depending on methodology and scope.
Raymond Ibrahim, a Middle East expert, has previously suggested that Turkey’s Islamist government under President Erdoğan may be indirectly supporting extremist groups in Africa, including Boko Haram.
He cited the presence of advanced weaponry among Fulani militants and Boko Haram fighters as evidence of foreign supply chains, though direct links remain difficult to prove.
Tinubu’s Role and the Politics of Religion
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Muslim from the South-West, has faced scrutiny over his administration’s handling of religious tensions.
While Tinubu has not publicly endorsed Gumi’s views, critics argue that his silence on certain issues—such as the persecution of Christians—has emboldened extremist narratives.
Tinubu’s political alliances, including with northern Muslim leaders, have led some to question whether his government is adequately protecting religious minorities.
However, supporters point to his inclusive cabinet and efforts to address insecurity as evidence of a balanced approach.
The accusation that Tinubu and Gumi have facilitated a “Muslim hegemony” in Nigeria is a serious one, with implications for national unity and interfaith relations.
Nigeria is constitutionally a secular state, with roughly equal populations of Christians and Muslims.
Any perception of religious favoritism risks deepening divisions and undermining democratic governance.
Reactions and Broader Implications
Donnelly’s post has sparked intense reactions online, with some users echoing his concerns and others accusing him of Islamophobia and fearmongering.
Religious leaders, civil society groups, and political analysts have called for restraint and fact-based discourse.
The broader issue remains: Nigeria is grappling with a complex security crisis that intersects with religion, ethnicity, and geopolitics.
Allegations of genocide, foreign interference, and ideological extremism must be investigated thoroughly and addressed through transparent policy and inclusive dialogue.
