Impacts of Religion on Political Activities in Nigeria, 1999-2023

Abstract

Two major religions alongside others are practiced in Nigeria, namely Islam and 
Christianity. Religious politics is fast becoming the order in the country’s 
political activities. Religion has been a strong determining factor for governance 
bureaucracy and the electoral process in Nigeria. Hence, the impacts of religious 
politics in Nigeria could be both positive and negative. This paper focuses on 
the positive and negative influences of religion on politics since the inception of 
the democratic government in Nigeria in 1999. The historical analysis method 
was embarked upon to access facts and authentic information. Findings show 
that politics of religion is detrimentally pronounced in Nigeria's political 
activities, it is also discovered that the impact of religion on politics breeds 
animosity and marginalization. The research concludes that politics should be 
separated from religious influences. The research also recommends ways of 
harmonizing the political interests of the two major religions for national 
development. The adherents of both major religions in Nigeria, Islam, and 
Christianity, should seek the common good for peaceful co-existence and a 
serene political atmosphere. There must be mutual understanding and a 
common goal in the governance of the nation. Nigerian politicians and clerics 
should desist from the use of platforms of religion to promote personal political 
interest. They should not be agents of disharmony in Nigeria.