2025, Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A

Author(s): Donald Igbinosa Eboigbe and Adekunle Saheed Ajisebiyawo,

Abstract: This paper critique the role played by endemic parochial sentiments in form of identity politics in the 2023 presidential elections in Nigeria. The paper sought the understanding of role of ethnicity and religion in elections in Africa from the theoretical perspective called theory of African democracy and it adopted the qualitative method where data from secondary sources were explored to evaluate the role of ethnicity and religion in 2023 presidential elections in Nigeria. The paper found that ethnicity, religion, and regional sentiments played a major role in the election. The practical implications of the paper are that while Nigeria’s democracy is tending towards consolidation if the unexpected does not happen, e.g., military takeover, religious and ethnic identities can mar the country’s development as competent candidates that have good policies will be voted out based on religious and ethnic sentiments. Thus, there is a need to de-emphasise religion and ethnicity in the Nigerian polity. Candidates and parties that campaign based on racial or religious narratives should be barred from contesting elective positions.The paper concluded that identity politics is inimical to Nigeria’s democratisation process as well as efforts aimed at uniting and integrating the country, it therefore recommended that to establish a sound electoral democracy and a strong united country, the menace of ethnic, religious and regional cleavages should be addressed. To achieve this, efforts should be intensified towards providing a set of principles for nation-building which should be included in the constitution. In addition, the paper urges the media to support the formation of an inclusive government, cutting across tribes and religions in the country to reduce the negative impact of ethnicity and religion in the country.

DOI: 10.33545/26646021.2025.v7.i1a.417

Pages: 11-16 | Views: 83 | Downloads: 8

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