A Nigerian pastor, Tomiwa Immanuel’s comments on the outcome of the midterm elections in the United States have sparked reactions online.
Latest: US midterms: El-Sayed becomes first Muslim elected to the US Senate
Key Highlights
- Pastor Tomiwa Immanuel of Celebration Church International, Ibadan, reacted on X to the election of Muslim leaders in the US.
- He referenced Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s first Muslim mayor, and Abdul El-Sayed, the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.
- His post warned America of consequences it “won’t be able to eat.”
- Many Nigerians criticised the remarks as intolerant; others backed his concerns about religion and political power.
Immanuel, who is a pastor of the Celebration Church International, Ibadan, Oyo State, in reacting to the emergence of Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s first Muslim mayor and Abdul El-Sayed as the first Muslim senator, had on his X handle warned that America’s growing political acceptance of Muslim leaders could have consequences the country might eventually struggle to manage.
The pastor in his post on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, wrote: “Mamdani first Muslim mayor, El-Sayed first Muslim senator. Good job, America. The soup you’re cooking, when it’s done, you won’t be able to eat it.”
His statement generated mixed reactions, with several Nigerians questioning his position on religious tolerance, while others supported his concerns about the relationship between religion and political power.
Critics question pastor’s position
One user, Iretomiwa, questioned the suggestion that progressive Muslims could not genuinely support liberal values, arguing that politicians from both spectrums have demonstrated support for issues relating to women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights.
Another user, @aroundw, criticised the hostility towards Muslims, arguing that Islamic financial practices were already accommodated in some Western countries.
“The only reason why these people will never be contented is because Christianity has been exposed to lacking substance in the West.
“Muslims wanted non- interest banks, you barked and goofed, but UK already had it. Sharia? They do as well.”
Another user, @ephy, challenged the argument by drawing comparisons between religious societies and the treatment of women and LGBTQ+ people.
“And under Christianity LGBTQ+ people and women are treated with so much love and respect.”
Similarly, @edwinajogun described the pastor’s comment as disappointing, arguing that Christian nationalist politicians have exercised considerable influence in American politics without necessarily addressing the country’s challenges.
The user wrote: “I am sorry but this is extremely stupid from someone that a lot of people look up to.
“Nationalist Christians have controlled the house, senate and presidency for the last two years, what did they do with it? Wars, corruption and racism.”
@molarah26 also criticised the pastor’s approach, arguing that Christians should not respond to political developments involving other religions with hostility.
The user wrote: “Our religion isn’t turn-by-turn. It isn’t do unto others as they did to you. We miss the WHOLE plot when we move like this as Christians.
“There are bigger issues at play and what you are doing here is classic majoring on the minors.”
Another user, @Streected, questioned whether some Nigerian religious leaders were more interested in financial support from their followers than the teachings of Christianity.
The user wrote: “Did anyone giving you tithe or supporting your church lost in that election? Cause most of you Nigeria pastors are after the money and not the teaching of christ. They chose sense over sponsored bigotry and hatred.”
Read also:
- US Midterm Elections: El-Sayed Becomes 1st Muslim Elected To Senate As Democrats Retain Control
- US Midterms: Democrats Win Senate, Projected to Flip House
- Pope Leo XIV Becomes 1st Pope To Vote In US Midterm Elections
Some users back Immanuel
However, other users defended Immanuel, arguing that the religious beliefs associated with Islam should be examined when discussing the political influence of Muslim leaders.
One user, @tochristus, expressed concern about what they described as religious intolerance and the possibility that Western countries could become vulnerable to policies they would not accept under different circumstances.
“The West will learn the hard way. These guys have first hand intelligence of how intolerance that religion is, yet in a bid to appear woke they give them what they can never allow if positions where switched. Even the most moderate of them is as evil as the terrorist.”
@bashiranakobe disagreed with the pastor’s position, accusing him of promoting prejudice while questioning his reference to an alleged religious controversy in Borno State.
“This guy probably interacts with Muslims every day and has never had an issue with them. People are calling out the hate-filled narrative in his previous post, yet his response is to amplify an unverified story from Borno. Just prejudice masquerading as concern.”
Similarly, @SamuelT65552195 supported the pastor’s position, arguing that Muslims sometimes demand religious freedom when they are minorities but advocate religious dominance when they become the majority.
“Muslims play mental games. When they are minorities they call for equality, freedom, tolerance and human right. When they become majorities they preach segregations, full scale sharia law, domination, Jihad etc.”
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