RELIGION, ETHNICITY, AND DEMOCRATIC BEHAVIOUR IN NIGERIA: EVIDENCE FROM THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS
Keywords:
Religion, Ethnicity, Elections, Democracy, INECAbstract
Religion is broadly understood as a form of belief systems and practices, whereas ethnicity connotes a shared cultural identity and heritage. Both are essential in shaping the identity and strengthening the bond between people and their creator. While this is normal and a fundamental right of every citizen of Nigeria, the differences in religious beliefs and cultural affiliations have created certain disunity and tension amongst people that do not share similar beliefs and culture. More troubling is the fact that, political actors have used religious and ethnic differences to advance their political ambition. The objective of the study is to examine how religion and ethnicity influenced voter behaviour in the 2023 Nigeria General Elections. The study adopted the mixed research method of data collection. Secondary sources included books, journals, Publications and textbooks. 400 questionnaires were administered across 25 states of Nigeria using simple random technique, 318 were retrieved and used for the study. The Primordial theory, and the Relative deprivation theory were applied for the study. Findings from the study revealed that religion and ethnicity played a significant role in influencing voter behaviour in the 2023 General Elections. The study recommended that INEC and Political parties should strengthen voter education awareness that will encourage the electorates to focus more on candidates with issue-based voting rather than religious or ethnic consideration.
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