Throughout world history, religious ideologies have been used to justify policies, laws, and even wars. For instance, the Crusades were fought under the banner of Christianity, while the Ottoman Empire expanded its territories through a blend of Islam and political power. In more recent times, the Iranian Revolution of 1979 saw the rise of an Islamic republic, where religious authority is deeply intertwined with political decision-making. Similarly, the Christian right has played a significant role in shaping American politics, particularly on issues like abortion and same-sex marriage.
Suffice it to say, in light of this, that religion has long played a pivotal role in shaping political landscapes worldwide. From ancient civilizations to modern democracies, politicians have strategically wielded religious narratives to sway public opinion, consolidate power, and advance their agendas. This phenomenon is not really unique to any particular region or era, as leaders have consistently recognized the influence of religion on people’s beliefs, values, and behaviours.
Humans are believed to be both physical and spiritual beings, seeking to prepare for the afterlife by cleansing themselves of wrongdoing. Religion derives its power from moral force, with over 13 religions worldwide, including Christianity and Islam, emphasizing the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. The belief in a divine power governing human affairs motivates individuals to do good, promote justice and equity for all, in preparation for the afterlife. Most individuals in the political space are aware of this, given the fact that historically, religion has been used as a tool for control and manipulation. Especially here in Nigeria, it can, and has often been used to create division and frustrate peaceful coexistence.
Prior to the 2023 presidential election, debates around APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket revived questions about the role of religion in politics. While some argued that religion doesn’t matter, others believed it plays a significant role in shaping public opinion, making the relationship between religion and politics more intricate than many might believe, or want to believe. As a corollary, the interests of all Nigerians are at the mercy of the political class, who may or may not have their own ulterior motives.
A trip down memory lane
Before the advent of Islam and Christianity, Nigeria was home to diverse indigenous religious practices. African traditional religions, anchored in the worship of various deities, prevailed across different communities. Geographical contiguity, trade, and social contacts led to commonalities in the worship of certain deities. Islam entered Nigeria through the trans-Saharan trade routes, while Christianity arrived during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Despite initial opposition, both foreign religions expanded their influence beyond their initial boundaries.
The Sokoto Jihad, led by Usman Dan Fodio circa 1804, aimed to establish an Islamic caliphate in Northern Nigeria. Meanwhile, Christian missionaries worked tirelessly to spread their faith in the southern regions. While Islam gained a foothold in the North, Christianity made significant inroads in the South. These religious movements shaped the cultural and political landscape, laying the groundwork for future interactions between religion and politics.
In 1914, Nigeria’s Northern and Southern Protectorates were amalgamated, creating a diverse federation that brought together different ethnic, cultural, and religious groups under one entity. The colonial administration’s adoption of federalism was a recognition of the country’s cultural heterogeneity, aiming to provide a framework for governance that acknowledged and respected the diversity of the Nigerian people.
However, this diversity also created tensions, particularly between Christians and Muslims, who vied for influence and power in the newly independent nation. Religious leaders sought to assert their authority, leading to a delicate balance between faith and governance. Politicians across ethnic lines have exploited religious sentiments to mobilize support. The divide between the predominantly Muslim North and the largely Christian South has fuelled tensions, with each group vying for political relevance.
We have also witnessed numerous religious crises resulting in loss of lives and property. Most political actors, and even religious leaders understand that religion can be harnessed to consolidate power or divide communities. The sanctity of religion often gives way to political expediency. Sadly, this instrumentalization of religion undermines democracy and peace by exacerbating existing fault lines. Nigeria has enough challenges as it is without religion becoming a pawn in political games.
Where cultural and religious identities meet
Identity politics has deeply entrenched itself in this country’s political landscape, with over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages. This cultural diversity is further compounded by the country’s religious landscape, which is characterized by a delicate balance between Christianity, Islam, and indigenous belief systems. The confluence of these factors significantly influences the country’s political dynamics, as Nigerians often view politics through the prism of their religious affiliations.
The Christian-majority South and the Muslim-majority North have historically had different political priorities, which has often led to tensions and conflicts. For instance, the South has traditionally been more inclined towards democratic values and western-style governance, while the North has been more conservative and inclined towards Islamic law. This religious polarization has significant implications for voting patterns, alliances, and policy decisions, with politicians seeking to appease their religious constituencies. Partly, this is sufficient to explain controversies over issues such as Sharia law, same-sex marriage, and freedom of religion.
Despite these challenges, there are efforts underway to promote interfaith dialogue and bridge the religious divide. Civil society organizations, religious leaders, and some politicians are working towards promoting a more inclusive and secular political culture. However, this is an uphill task, as religious identities continue to remain deeply entrenched in Nigeria’s political system.
Religion as a partisan tool
Another trend that has had significant implications for the country’s democratic process is voters in Nigeria often prioritizing ethnic and religious considerations over policy issues. Many Nigerians often prefer to associate with candidates who share their ethnic or religious background, rather than those who may have a more compelling policy platform. This phenomenon is rooted in the country’s complex history and diversity, with various ethnic groups having historically been marginalized or favoured depending on the political climate.
Political parties capitalize on this trend by selecting candidates who can appeal to specific ethnic or religious groups, rather than focusing on issues that affect the broader population, breeding a divisive political landscape, where voters are pitted against one another along ethnic and religious lines.
This perpetuation of identity-based voting has far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s development. By prioritizing ethnic and religious considerations over policy issues, voters place less importance on critical challenges facing the country, such as economic growth, education, and healthcare, bringing a disconnect between the government’s priorities and the needs of the people and hindering the country’s progress and perpetuating inequality.
Leading politicians deftly employ religious symbolism to resonate with their constituents, often using rhetoric that evokes emotions and creates a sense of shared values. Public addresses peppered with references to God, faith, and moral values have become a staple of political discourse in Nigeria, allowing politicians to tap into the deeply held beliefs of their audience. By invoking a higher power, politicians have transcended partisan divisions and appealed to a higher sense of purpose, creating an emotional connection with their constituents that can be a powerful tool in building support for their policies.
By aligning themselves with religious institutions, these politicians have gained credibility among religious communities, who will see their values and beliefs reflected in the politician’s words and actions by virtue of shared religion. This alignment can take many forms, from public appearances at religious services to endorsements from prominent religious leaders.
In some cases, politicians may even use religious language to frame their policy initiatives, casting their political agenda as a moral imperative. While this approach can be effective in mobilizing support, it also raises important questions about the separation of church and state, and the potential for religious bias in policymaking. Nevertheless, the use of religious symbolism remains a powerful tool in the political toolkit, one that is likely to continue shaping political discourse in the years to come.
Is faith a guarantee for happiness?
Studies have consistently shown a correlation between a country’s level of secularism and its citizens’ self-reported happiness. While religion can bring comfort and solace to individuals, data suggests that secular countries tend to have happier populations. The World Happiness Report, produced by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), a global initiative of the United Nations, has been ranking countries by happiness since 2012. The report uses a range of metrics, including GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
For instance, in the 2020 report, the top 10 happiest countries were secular countries, many of them European including Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, etc. In contrast, many religious countries rank lower in the happiness index. Some of them include Nigeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and so on. While correlation does not necessarily imply causation, researchers suggest several reasons why secular countries might be happier including but not limited to social support, gender equality, quality education and individual freedom.
Furthermore, when people feel financially secure and have access to basic needs like healthcare, education, and social services, they are less likely to turn to religious fundamentalism as a coping mechanism. On the other hand, societies experiencing economic instability, poverty, and inequality often see a rise in religious fundamentalism. In these contexts, extreme religious beliefs can provide a sense of comfort, security, and meaning in the face of uncertainty and hardship. This phenomenon is not unique to any particular religion, as fundamentalist movements can be found in various religious traditions.
Economic stability provides a safety net, reducing the need for extreme religious beliefs as coping mechanisms. When people feel secure in their livelihoods and have access to resources and opportunities, they are less likely to turn to religious fundamentalism as a way to make sense of the world or to find comfort in uncertain times. This is not to say that religion cannot play a positive role in people’s lives, but rather that economic stability can reduce the appeal of extreme and potentially harmful beliefs.
In pursuit of progress
Poor economic policies in Nigeria in more recent times have led to widespread poverty, inequality, and a lack of access to basic services, creating an environment where religious fundamentalism can thrive. The country’s reliance on oil exports has hindered diversification and economic growth, while corruption and mismanagement have exacerbated poverty and inequality. The lack of economic opportunities and social services has led to a sense of hopelessness and desperation among many Nigerians, making them more susceptible to extreme religious beliefs.
In this context, religion becomes a source of comfort, security, and meaning in the face of uncertainty and hardship.
While religion can play a positive role in people’s lives, it is important to remember that there’s a very thin line between faith and superstition. Economic stability can reduce the appeal of resorting to superstition to support belief. It is essential for Nigeria to address its economic challenges and promote inclusive growth, education, and social services to reduce the allure of religious fundamentalism. By doing so, the country can create an environment where citizens are more pragmatic and focused on issues that affect their daily lives.
