Religion and Political Development in Nigeria: A Complex and Interconnected Relationship

Abstract

The intersection of faith and governance in Nigeria's political development is a complex and multifaceted issue. Religion plays a signi􀄗cant role in the country, with the population almost evenly divided between Islam and Christianity, alongside a small percentage adhering to traditional religions. 􀄉ese religious affiliations have historically in􀄚uenced governance and political dynamics, particularly as the British colonial policies shi􀄛ed the religious landscape signi􀄗cantly by the time of Nigeria's independence in 1960. 􀄉is study i) examines how religion beliefs, and institutions in􀄚uence political decisions, leadership and policymaking, ii) It a