The growing use of religion as a political weapon in Nigeria is dangerous and threatens the country’s already fragile social cohesion.
Recent remarks attributed to Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, National Chairman of the Council of Ulama of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’iqamatis Sunnah, have reignited debate over religious politics. Jingir reportedly supported the continuation of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, urged Muslims to vote based on their numerical strength, described Nigeria as an Islamic state and alleged that Christians were behind a mosque bombing in Kano.
Such claims have generated strong reactions because Nigeria’s Constitution recognises no official state religion and the country is home to citizens of different faiths.
However, Jingir’s position should not be regarded as the voice of all Nigerian Muslims. Millions of Muslims and Christians reject religious hatred and believe political leaders should be judged by their competence, integrity and performance.
Nigeria’s biggest challenges are not religious. Insecurity, poverty, unemployment, poor education, inadequate healthcare, corruption and weak infrastructure affect Nigerians across religious and regional boundaries.
Using religion to explain political failure only distracts citizens from demanding accountability. Instead of asking who failed to provide security, citizens are encouraged to ask which religious group is responsible. Instead of demanding jobs and better schools, they are urged to defend their religious bloc.
This approach benefits politicians more than ordinary Nigerians.
Religious representation at the highest level of government has also failed to guarantee development. Muslim leaders have occupied Nigeria’s highest political offices several times, yet many northern communities continue to struggle with poverty, insecurity, unemployment and educational deprivation.
A hungry child does not benefit simply because the president shares the child’s religion. An unemployed graduate does not get a job because of religious representation. A farmer threatened by bandits does not become safer because politicians win a religious argument.
Ordinary Nigerians already show that peaceful coexistence is possible. Muslims and Christians trade together, work together, attend schools together and live as neighbours. Religious differences rarely prevent ordinary citizens from cooperating until political interests exploit those differences.
Nigeria therefore needs a political culture based on competence and accountability rather than religious identity.
Faith should promote justice, honesty, compassion and responsibility. It should not be used to encourage citizens to distrust or hate their neighbours.
The greatest danger is not the Nigerian who worships differently. It is the political leader who invokes religion to divide citizens while failing to provide security, prosperity and good governance.
Nigeria needs leaders who unite the country around common challenges—not politicians who turn faith into a weapon for political power.
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