Weaponized Faith and Power: How the Unholy Alliance of Religion and Politics Is Undermining Nigeria’s Future.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

“Why National Survival Depends on Separating Belief from Governance.”

Nigeria stands today at a dangerous crossroads. Despite immense human and natural resources, Africa’s most populous nation continues to grapple with persistent instability, insecurity and governance failure. Among the most destructive forces fueling this decline is the toxic interplay between RELIGION and POLITICS, which is a dynamic that scholars, policymakers and ordinary citizens increasingly recognize as a central driver of Nigeria’s fragmentation and arrested development.

RELIGION, by its very nature, should offer moral guidance, social cohesion and ethical restraint. POLITICS, conversely, should concern itself with public interest, competence and the equitable management of national resources. In Nigeria, however, these two domains have become dangerously entangled. The result is not MORAL GOVERNANCE, but WEAPONIZED FAITH, DEPLOYED to DIVIDE, MANIPULATE and SHIELD INCOMPETENCE and CORRUPTION from ACCOUNTABILITY.

As political scientist Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim observes, “Religion in Nigeria has ceased to be a personal moral compass and has become a political instrument used by elites to legitimize power and silence dissent.” This instrumentalization of faith has proven catastrophic.

Ethno-Religious Polarization: Identity Over Competence. One of the most damaging consequences of religion’s intrusion into politics is the deepening of ethno-religious polarization. Electoral choices in Nigeria are frequently shaped not by policy proposals, integrity or competence, but by a candidate’s religious identity or perceived alignment with a particular ethnic bloc.

Political elites exploit this reality ruthlessly. Campaigns are framed as existential battles between “US” and “THEM,” rather than democratic contests over ideas. Mosques and churches are subtly (or sometimes openly) converted into campaign platforms. Clerics endorse candidates as “GOD’S CHOICE,” effectively sacralizing mediocrity and demonizing alternatives.

Renowned Nigerian historian Prof. Toyin Falola notes that “when politics becomes a contest of religious survival rather than public service, democracy dies quietly while fanaticism takes its place.” This identity-based mobilization erodes national cohesion and entrenches suspicion between communities that have coexisted for centuries.

Conflict, Violence and the Politics of Sacred Justification. The consequences of ethno-religious politics are not merely rhetorical; they are violently tangible. Nigeria has witnessed decades of recurring sectarian violence, particularly in the Middle Belt and northern regions, where political competition over land, resources and power is routinely cloaked in religious language.

Extremist groups such as Boko Haram have exploited religious narratives (often through gross misinterpretation) to justify mass violence, abductions and attacks on civilians. While Boko Haram is not representative of Islam, its emergence and persistence were facilitated by political neglect, elite manipulation and the failure of the state to uphold justice and social welfare.

Security analyst Dr. Elizabeth Donnelly rightly argues that “religious extremism does not grow in a vacuum; it thrives where governance collapses and identity becomes the last refuge of the excluded.” In Nigeria, religion has too often been used to excuse state failure rather than confront it.

Governance Failure and the Sanctification of Corruption. Perhaps the most insidious impact of religion-politics entanglement is its role in sustaining poor governance and corruption. When leaders are defended on the basis of shared faith rather than performance, accountability collapses.

The notorious “NATIONAL CAKE” mentality (where public office is viewed as an opportunity for personal and ethnic enrichment) thrives in an environment where religious loyalty overrides civic responsibility. Corrupt officials are frequently shielded by religious narratives that frame criticism as persecution or sacrilege.

Economist Prof. Pat Utomi has repeatedly warned that “a society that confuses religious loyalty with civic duty cannot build institutions; it can only build excuses.” This culture of impunity has weakened Nigeria’s institutions, hollowed out public services and normalized elite theft.

Constitutional Contradictions and the Crisis of Secularity. Nigeria’s Constitution clearly affirms the country as a secular state, yet this principle has been repeatedly undermined. The expansion of Sharia law in some northern states has generated intense legal and constitutional controversy, particularly among religious minorities who perceive it as institutionalized exclusion.

Legal scholar Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) once emphasized that “secularism does not mean hostility to religion; it means fairness to all religions.” When religious law is elevated above national law, the principle of equal citizenship is compromised and national unity is strained.

These contradictions have fueled resentment, legal uncertainty and political tension whereby further weakening the fragile social contract between the Nigerian state and its citizens.

Economic Stagnation and Developmental Sabotage. The developmental cost of religiously fueled instability is immense. Persistent insecurity deters foreign investment, disrupts agriculture, displaces millions and cripples education systems. Schools are shut, farmlands abandoned and professionals flee the country in search of stability, which is a phenomenon widely described as brain drain.

According to development economist Jeffrey Sachs, “no country can achieve sustainable development where insecurity and identity-based politics dominate public life.” Nigeria’s struggle to diversify its economy, attract long-term investment and build human capital is inseparable from its failure to neutralize religion as a political weapon.

Paths Toward Renewal: Reclaiming the Republic. Despite these grim realities, Nigeria’s situation is not beyond repair. Scholars and reform advocates consistently point to several pathways toward national renewal.

First, the supremacy of secular governance and the rule of law must be non-negotiable. Religious freedom must be protected, but religious laws must never override constitutional rights or national legislation.

Second, education, dialogue and tolerance are critical. Civic education that emphasizes shared citizenship over sectarian identity can dismantle the fear-based narratives exploited by elites. Interfaith dialogue, when sincere and sustained, can reduce tensions and counter extremist misinterpretations.

Third, Nigeria urgently needs responsible, courageous leadership, though leaders who value competence over creed, justice over loyalty and national interest over personal gain.

Finally, active citizen engagement remains the most powerful antidote. Civil society, youth movements, independent media and principled religious leaders must continue to demand accountability and resist manipulation.

As political philosopher Hannah Arendt warned, “the most radical revolutionary will become a conservative the day after the revolution.” Nigerians must therefore remain vigilant, ensuring that change is institutional not merely rhetorical.

A Final Reflection: Choosing Wisdom Over Weaponized Faith. Nigeria’s diversity is not its curse; its mismanagement is. Religion, when detached from political manipulation, can enrich moral life and social solidarity. Politics, when freed from sectarian exploitation, can serve the common good.

The survival of the Nigerian project depends on a collective decision to choose wisdom over fanaticism, citizenship over identity and accountability over blind loyalty. Until religion is returned to the realm of personal belief (and politics reclaimed as a tool for service) Nigeria will continue to bleed from self-inflicted wounds.

The task ahead is difficult, but unavoidable. A nation that refuses to confront the dangers of weaponized faith risks losing not only its future, but its soul.