Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development

This paper examines Religion and Election in Nigeria and noted that Nigeria is a predominant religious nation. For this conspicuous reason, religion seems to be mixed with politics and statecraft. The paper argued that the problem is not that Religion cannot play advisory and non-partisan role. It can critique political events and insist on moral efficiency (political moralism) than expediency. Unfortunately, our findings revealed that Religion is being manipulated for political gains. Over the years, during elections, religious and ethnic sentiments are used to whip up sentiments and to overheat the polity. In many cases, it erupts violence and other eye for eye kind of reactions. Religious leaders are also culpable alongside politicians in desecrating the sacredness of Religion and thus, making it non-sacrosanct at times. As the 2019 elections draws close, it is being projected as a very decisive election that will determine the fate of Nigeria. This paper therefore concludes among many recommendations that what Nigeria truly needs now are religious and political reforms with the suggestion of the Religious Electoral Act which can be passed as a bill in forestalling religious excesses in relation to politics and elections.

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