Exposition of Islamic ethics of political campaign and its applicability in Nigeria

Abstract

Political campaign is part and parcel of democratic process in modern times, but it has come to be characterised by destabilizing practices and irregularities, such as violence, especially in some developing countries including Nigeria. Political campaign is often associated with vilifications, use of thugs, extravagant spending, violence against opponents, and so on which portend big danger for governance and its purpose of human and societal development. This study examines the issue from the Islamic campaign ethical perspective, towards providing antidotes to the unhealthy practices that are retrogressing democracy and Nigeria as a nation. Islam is understood to be a comprehensive system that offers guidance in all aspects of life. The study is expository. It delves into the Qur'an and Sunnah, as well as literatures on Islamic political system and Nigerian laws to unearth relevant guidance to political campaigns and politico-economic development of Nigeria. It concludes that the inappropriate practices trailing democracy in Nigeria are rooted in illegalities that can be remedied if the Islamic ethical contents and relevant Nigerian laws are respected and followed, as exposed in this study.

Keywords: Exposition, Islamic Ethics, Political Campaign, Nigeria, Democracy