RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVES ON DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA

Religion continues to be an important aspect of the social and political life of the Nigerian citizens and deeply affects their values, political attitudes and actions, and civic involvement. This study focuses on the religious attitudes towards democratic governance in Nigeria and its consequences for democratic development. The study adopts a qualitative research design that uses documentary analysis of relevant literature, and the roles of the three religions namely Christianity, Islam and African Traditional Religion in the governance processes are explored. The results show that religious organizations have a positive role in promoting democratic governance processes, namely in providing civic education, mobilization, advocating accountability, peacebuilding, and social service. Religious leaders and faith-based organizations have also encouraged public dialogue on transparency and justice, and human rights. The research, however, reveals that politicisation of religion, religious intolerance, sectarianism and religious extremism are undermining democracy and national unity. The study finds that religion has positive and negative effects on democracy in Nigeria. Religion has the potential to support democratic culture, citizen participation and ethical leadership, but it can also be misused for political purposes, causing democratic consolidation to be weakened. The study suggests promoting interfaith dialogue, religious tolerance, civic education, and the constitutionality of governance for improving the positive role of religion in governance. Any relationship that is not balanced between religion and the State will lead to the failure of democracy and national unity in Nigeria.