IGWEBUIKE: African Journal of Arts and Humanities

The relationship between politics and religion is intimate because there is always a point of convergence. More so, the relationship is complex because of the intricacies inherent in the politicization of religion. Focusing on Nigeria, today, there are three dominant religious groups in Nigeria, Islam, Christianity and African Traditional Religion. Islam and Christianity are not recognized here because of the trivialization of the position of traditional animism; that they take the centre stage in this work is deliberate because of the impact of both on the Nigerian government and politics. The researcher uses the method of critical analysis to review the politicization of these religions and the extent to which religious and political intolerance have had adverse effects on the peace, stability and national growth and development in Nigeria. The impact profoundly reinforces regional and ethnic differences and makes stability in all ramifications more difficult. The recognition of the problem brought about by the politicization of religion has inspired the writing of this paper which is aimed at exploring the relationship between the two; how they both relate to power; and the problems that have emanated from there. The researcher advocates that the three tiers of government, Clergy and the politicians should come together to see that religion and politics work together in Nigeria because they are in separable.

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