By George Omagbemi
Nigerian pastor and Resident Pastor of Christ Church International (CCI), Ibadan, Tomiwa Immanuel, has sparked reactions on social media after commenting on the growing political representation of Muslims in the United States.
The cleric reacted to the political victories of Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s first Muslim mayor, and Abdul El-Sayed, who has become the first Muslim elected to the United States Senate.
In a post shared on his official X account on Wednesday, November 4, Immanuel appeared to express concern about the implications of the developments for America’s political future.
He 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 comment attracted mixed reactions, with several social media users criticising what they considered an unnecessary religious interpretation of democratic elections.
Some commentators questioned why the pastor appeared troubled by the election of Muslim politicians, arguing that a person’s religion should not automatically determine their ability to govern or serve the public.
Others challenged him to pay greater attention to Nigeria’s political and economic challenges rather than expressing alarm over America’s democratic choices.
Some users also argued that political representation should be judged by leadership performance, competence and public service, rather than religious identity.
The controversy has reopened conversations about religion, political participation and the place of diversity in democratic societies.
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