By PRECIOUS GIDEON
Faith and politics remain deeply intertwined in Nigeria, shaping the nation’s political landscape and influencing voter behavior. Religion is not just a belief system — it is a powerful force that affects daily decisions, lifestyles and even leadership choices.
As the country continues to navigate leadership challenges and elections, the line between faith and politics grows increasingly blurred. From the North to the South, religion plays a visible role in public life.
Churches and mosques often become platforms for political messaging — sometimes subtle, sometimes direct.
Religious leaders have long been regarded as moral guides, and many Nigerians look up to them for direction — even on political matters.
When faith influences the ballot
Speaking to THE NIGERIA STANDARD in Jos, the Plateau State capital, Pastor Daniel Yakubu observed, “In our society, people trust their pastors and imams more than politicians. So when religious leaders speak about national issues, it naturally carries weight.”
He added, “During elections, candidates often appeal to faith-based sentiments to win support. Political campaigns are sometimes shaped around religion, with voters aligning themselves based on shared beliefs rather than policies. Religion can be a light — but only if we use it to demand accountability. God doesn’t vote for us. We vote, and we must vote wisely.”
Mrs. Habiba Sule, another respondent, expressed concern that “some voters don’t even read manifestos; they just vote along religious lines.”
A political analyst also noted, “That’s part of the challenge of building true democracy in a multi-religious nation like ours.”
Double-edged sword of religion in politics
The blending of faith and politics has both positive and negative sides. On one hand, religious institutions promote honesty, justice and peace. These are values needed in governance. On the other, when religion becomes a political tool, it can breed division, intolerance and mistrust.
Dr. Grace Pam, a lecturer in Political Science at Plateau State Polytechnic, argued that while faith should inspire moral leadership, it should not dictate political choice. “Religion should guide personal conduct, not decide who we vote for,” she said.
She emphasized that “our focus should be on competence, character, and capacity — not just faith identity.”
Faith as hope — and a challenge
For many Nigerians, religion has both united and divided communities during elections. John Amos, a youth leader from Plateau State, shared, “In my town, campaigns turn into church and mosque debates. Friends stop talking to each other because of political choices tied to religion. It shouldn’t be that way.”
Others, like Amina Danladi, a university student, believe faith still plays a hopeful role. “When I see a candidate who shares my faith, I feel more confident they’ll understand my values. But I also know faith alone doesn’t make a good leader.”
The way forward
Analysts and civic educators say the path forward lies in voter education, that is, teaching citizens to separate personal faith from political judgment. Nigerians are urged to assess leaders by their integrity, competence and record of service rather than their religion.
When all is said and done, faith will always remain a strong part of Nigeria’s identity. But as politics grows more complex, citizens must learn to look beyond the pulpit and the mosque, focusing instead on what truly matters — good governance, fairness and national unity.
While faith inspires moral leadership and social justice ideals, excessive religious influence can fuel bias and tension. Balancing religion with national interest is essential for inclusive governance and a sustainable democracy.
Gideon, a student of Mass Communication at the Plateau State University, Bokkos, is currently on industrial attachment with THE NIGERIA STANDARD