RELIGION, POLITICS AND 2015 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN NIGERIA.

Abstract

Nigerians have been observed to be more loyal to religion than the state. This is manifested in
the growing trend of religiosity, the phenomenal rise in the number of worship centres and
influential clergies in Nigeria today. The interdependence of Religion and Politics as social
dynamics in fostering the development of Nigeria has become quite a concern across the
nation. Nigeria is a highly heterogeneous nation with diversity in terms of multi-tribal,
cultural, religious and political spheres. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyze the
extent to which politicization of religion had affected the political development of Nigeria as
a whole and Northern Nigeria in particular. The study made use of primary and secondary
sources of data. The data obtained through questionnaire was analysed by descriptive
statistics presented in tables and frequency distribution simple percentages. Data on the result
of the 2015 presidential election was also obtained from INEC office to buttress our point.
The study reveals remote and immediate causes of religious politics included the hunger for
power, wealth and independent religious sentiments. To de-emphasize religious politics, the
country should de-emphasize religion. Tribe and state of origin should be excluded in the
filling of forms for both public and private organisations. Appointments and employments
into these organisations should be based on merit and competency.