AN EXAMINATION OF THE IMPLICATION OF RELIGION AND TRIBE ON NIGERIA GENERAL ELECTION 2023

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Of The Study

Nigeria is a West African nation characterized by a population density of 149.7 Sqkm and a populace exceeding 200 million. Its geographical area is 923,768 square kilometres.  The nation possesses an abundance of mineral resources, including coal, crude oil, tin ore, columbite, iron ore, phosphate, and others.

Prior to the amalgamation in 1914, the country presently known as Nigeria was comprised of peripheral kingdoms and villages as well as expansive empires and kingdoms, according to Olukoju (1997). They were, as Obayemi (1981) put it, mini-states and mega-states. The Olukoju ruled over numerous kingdoms and empires in the western and northern regions of Nigeria, including the Jukun, Igala, Nupe, Bini, Oyo, Sokoto, Ife, and Kanem-Bornu, among others, which comprised the megastates. Among the peripheral kingdoms or mini-states that were located in the south were Onitsha and Aboh. Additional regions characterised as "stateless societies" are Tiv, Ibibio, Izon, and Gbagyi, among others. Obayemi perceived ecological complementarity and economic interdependence within these societies.

Nigeria is distinguished by its multiethnic and multireligious makeup. Onapajo (2016) provides empirical support for the claim that Nigerians are the ninth most religiously devout population on a global scale. Prominent religious factions comprise followers of African Traditional Religions, Christianity, and Islam. Jega (2017) asserts that the Islamic faith holds significant influence in the north-eastern and north-western regions of the country, whereas Christianity predominates in the southwestern, south-eastern, and southern areas. Within Nigerian urban areas, numerous prominent thoroughfares are lined with churches and mosques. Nigeria is host to a cohort of clergy members who possess substantial financial resources and exert considerable sway, positioning them among the most prosperous and distinguished clergy on an international scale. Additionally, the region is home to three significant ethnic groups: Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. Nigeria is geographically divided as follows: the Hausa inhabit the northern region, the Igbo the southeastern, and the Yoruba the western. The number of indigenous languages is equivalent to the number of tribes, although the English language serves as a lingua franca due to its origins in British colonialism.

Particularly among the electorate, presidential elections in postcolonial Nigeria have always generated tensions, anxieties, and controversies. This is due to the prevalence of hate speech during electioneering seasons, which typically has an ethnic and religious undertone. The 2023 presidential election in Nigeria, in particular, sparked unprecedented levels of tension and controversy.In addition to being conducted during a period of instability, the general elections of 2023 have garnered the highest level of competition ever seen in post-colonial Nigeria. Elevated tensions were purportedly existing between the Eastern and Western regions (Yorubas and Igbos) prior to the elections (Fagbadebo, 2007).

According to Ogugua (2015),ethnic and religious biases during elections, regrettably, are the double-edged demon that is afflicting the nation and have recently emerged as a factor that does more damage than good.The extent to which ethnicity and religion influenced the recently concluded elections of 2023 is abundantly clear. According to research, the ethnic groups with the greatest political and religious influence are as follows: Hausa-Fulani (29%), Yoruba (21%), Igbo (Ibo) (18%), Ijaw (10%), Kanuri (4%), Ibibio (3.5%), and Tiv (2.5%). The aforementioned elements exacerbated the longstanding ethnic, regional, and religious divisions that have marked the political landscape of Nigeria ever since its independence. Hence, the present research endeavours to investigate the implication of religion and tribe on Nigeria general election 2023.

1.2 Statement Of The Problem

Nigerian politics has become entangled in matters of tribalism and religious divisions over time, culminating in inadequate governance, lack of accountability, and persistent insecurity within the country. As a result of these factors, millions of Nigerians have been compelled to abandon their residences, while thousands of children have been reduced to begging (Fox,2004).

Religion-based politics and tribalism have undeniably lured Nigeria backward. Since 1999, our economy has been in a dismal state due to electoral turmoil, which is frequently precipitated by religious and tribal political disputes.  Given its religious and multiethnic composition, Nigeria ought to be exempt from tribal and religious-motivated politics. This has not advanced our nation; on the contrary, it has set us back and placed the lives and property of numerous citizens in danger. (Gbadegesin & Adeyemi-Adejolu 2016).

According to Fatimah (2023), it is imperative that we refrain from engaging in religious politics and tribalism. Voting for capable leaders who are impartial towards religious and tribal affiliations is advisable. Hence, the researcher implore the Nigerian people to abstain from engaging in religious and tribalistic politics during the upcoming elections. For the prosperity of our people, vote for competent leaders regardless of religion, ethnicity, or cultural affiliation.

1.3  Objectives of the study

The general objective of the study is to examine the implication of religion and tribe on Nigeria general election 2023. The specific objectives is as follows:

1. Ascertain whether religion and tribalism influenced electorates voting behaviour during the 2023 general election.

2. Determine whether religion and tribalism influenced political participation of the youth during the 2023 general election.

3. Ascertain whether religion and tribalism influenced the outcome of the Nigeria 2023 general election.

1.4  Research questions

The following questions will guide the study:

i.          Did religion and tribalism influenced electorates voting behaviour during the 2023 general election?

ii.        Did religion and tribalism influenced political participation of the youth during the 2023 general election?

iii.      Did religion and tribalism influenced the outcome of the Nigeria 2023 general election?

1.5 Significance of the study

The study of the implication of religion and tribe on Nigeria general election 2023. The information will be disclosed to various levels of government, religious organisations, electoral bodies, and media outlets. Furthermore, the discoveries will enlighten the Nigerian people regarding the profound impact that the issue of religion and tribalism has had on the Nigerian nation, as it consistently resurfaces in political campaigns.

Further investigations will utilise it as a literature review. This implies that in the future, other scholars who may opt to investigate this field will have the chance to utilise this research as accessible literature that can undergo rigorous evaluation. Always and without exception.

1.6 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on the influence of religion and tribe on Nigeria general election 2023. specifically, the study will ascertain whether religion and tribalism influenced electorates voting behaviour during the 2023 general election, determine whether religion and tribalism influenced political participation of the youth during the 2023 general election, and ascertain whether religion and tribalism influenced the outcome of the Nigeria 2023 general election.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to people in Apapa and Eti-Osa, Local Government, State.

1.7 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents.

In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed.

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

In quest of carrying out this research work the researcher was not able to carry out this work in a more conclusive standard due to the following limitation.

1.8 Definition of terms

Elections: a formal and organized choice by vote of a person for a political office or other position.

Religion: the belief in and worship of a superhuman power or powers, especially a God or gods.

Tribalism: loyalty to a tribe or other social group especially when combined with strong negative feelings for people outside the group.