The Integrity of Religion in Nigerian Politics, 1999 - 2019

Abstract

That religion plays a major role in the governance of Nigeria is not an understatement but a fact that is unequivocal; it might appear a bit difficult to separate religion from the state because religionists are key players in the governance of the country. That religion has entered into politics and governance is not new; both are as old as the history of the nation itself. It has been discovered that religion has dominated national life of recent. If religion is thus important in the act of governance, it should therefore ensure its integrity is not dented. However, Nigeria has not had it so good since 1999 that the third democracy started because of greed, avarice and corruption. One may then wonder if religion has got any influence on the key players/actors of the art of governance in Nigeria because the scale and forms in which religious leaders are brazenly intruding into politics of recent is alarming. They are supposed to be detached from partisan politics but to encourage politicians to deliver good governance and sustainable development for citizens. The scope of this work covers a twenty year period from 1999 to 2009 which falls within the third republic. This article therefore seeks to situate that integrity of religion is sacrosanct to Nigerian politics before she can graduate from the underdeveloped stage to developing and developed using interdisciplinary approach which was drawn from historical perspectives. It is therefore recommended that in order to protect the integrity of religion in politics, leaders of religion should live and preach uprightness, probity, accountability and prowess in their daily preaching.