RELIGION: A CLOG IN THE WHEEL OF NIGERIA’S DEMOCRATIC EXPERIENCE

Abstract

One of the major factors that have continued to raise questions about Nigeria’s democratic experience is religion. Since the attainment of independence in 1960, religion is often viewed as having a negative influence on Nigeria democracy. Succinctly put, religion has manifested as a source of conflict rather than a resource for peace and development in Nigeria. In spite of the formal separation between the fields of religion and politics, religion has continued to influence Nigeria politics and often times perceived as the bane of democratic progress. Drawing from Yusuf Bala’s Religion Manipulation thesis, it becomes clear that ever since the emergence of Nigeria Fourth Republic; religion has become a tool of manipulation in the political space. For instance, it has served in the process of political mobilisation, voting pattern and behaviour, policy formulation, political appointment and protraction in religious strife and conflicts. This study, which relies on secondary data reveals that religion has assumed a defining role in Nigeria’s democratic process by becoming a social and political force of importance and most importantly a pushback for any meaningful progress of the country.