The Impact of Same Faith Ticket on the Nigerian Political Atmosphere: a Review of APC 2023 Choice of Presidential Candidate
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The general objectives of the study is to examine the impact of same faith ticket on the Nigerian political atmosphere: A review of APC 2023 choice of presidential candidate. The specific objectives is as follows:
- To examine if same faith ticket have an impact on Nigeria political atmosphere.
- To find out the challenges facing the choice of same faith presidential candidate in Nigeria.
- To investigate if same faith ticket will disrupt the fragile peace that exists among the different religious groups in Nigeria.
- To assess if same faith presidential ticket can engender peaceful and harmonious existence among the diverse peoples of Nigeria.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
The Place of Religion in Nigerian Nation
Nigeria as a nation is religiously pluralistic. Apart from the three major religions, Christianity, Islam and Traditional Religion, there are several others competing for relevance and recognition. In spite of this reality, in theory, Nigeria is a secular state. This has been indicated in the constitution since independence. For the purpose of emphasis, the word, secular, is derived from the Latin word ‘Secularis’, which means temporal. It is taken to mean ‘of or relating to worldly, as opposed to sacred things or having no particular religious affinities’. Secularism, as a doctrine, rejects religion. It maintains that religion should have no place in civil affairs and civil rules should have no interest in religion. Thus, a secular state is a state where religious communities have no recognized role in politics and no formal relation to the state. This is different from a theocratic or a religious state where religion determines what happen in the state. As stated in section 10 of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, “the government of the federation shall not adopt any religion as State Religion”. Therefore, in policy formulation, governance, and other governmental activities, religion should not be an issue. By implication, every citizen has a right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. Section 38 is categorical, that:
- Every person shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom (either alone or in community with others and in public or in private) to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance.
- No person attending any place of education shall be required to receive religious instruction or take part in or attend any religious ceremony or observance if such instruction, ceremony, or observance relates to a religion, other than his own or a religion not approved by his parents or guardian, and
- No religious community or denomination shall be prevented form providing religious instruction for pupils of that community or denomination in any place of education maintained wholly by that community or denomination
The constitution further emphasizes that national integration shall actively be encouraged. Accordingly, discrimination on the grounds of place of origin, sex, religion, status, ethnic, or linguistic association or ties shall be prohibited, while national ethics shall be Discipline, Integrity, Dignity of Labour, Social Justice, Religious Tolerance, Self-reliance, and Patriotism. Also, membership of political parties is opened to every citizen irrespective of his place of origin, circumstances of birth, sex, religion, or ethnic group. From the foregoing, the religious policy in Nigerian constitution can be understood, theoretically. The legal provisions are made in order to ensure that citizens enjoy religious freedom and that the state or government does not affiliate itself or show preference for one religion. The principle ‘live and let live’ is held and the contribution that religion can make to the life of citizens are recognized, hence the belief in religious tolerance. However, it is a fact that religions are potent brotherhoods; displaying rather efficacious acquired family relationships on earth. Little wonder Takaya (1992) says: Like exclusivist clubs, cliques, or cults, members offer each other unmerited help, favours and considerations. This is what makes the politicization of religion most objectionable in a multi-faith society like Nigeria because the objectivity of “brothers’ in public offices are likely to be blured by religious considerations in serving a heterogenous community. (pp. 111-112).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine the impact of Same Faith Ticket on the Nigerian Political Atmosphere: a Review of APC 2023 Choice of Presidential Candidate. Residents in Ikeya in Lagos form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of same faith ticket on the Nigerian Political atmosphere: a Review of APC 2023 Choice of Presidential Candidate. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of the impact of same faith ticket on the Nigerian Political atmosphere: a Review of APC 2023 Choice of Presidential Candidate
Summary
This study was on the impact of same faith ticket on the Nigerian Political atmosphere: a Review of APC 2023 Choice of Presidential Candidate. Three objectives were raised which included: To examine if same faith ticket have an impact on Nigeria political atmosphere, to find out the challenges facing the choice of same faith presidential candidate in Nigeria, to investigate if same faith ticket will disrupt the fragile peace that exists among the different religious groups in Nigeria and Tto assess if same faith presidential ticket can engender peaceful and harmonious existence among the diverse peoples of Nigeria. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from residents in Ikeya in Lagos. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the impact of the same faith ticket on the Nigerian political atmosphere is a controversial topic with no clear consensus. While some argue that it promotes unity and strengthens the political landscape, others believe that it fuels religious and ethnic divisions and undermines the principles of democracy. Regardless of one’s position, it is clear that Nigeria’s political atmosphere remains highly polarized, with issues of ethnicity, religion, corruption, and governance still at the forefront. Ultimately, it will take a concerted effort from all stakeholders to address these challenges and create a more inclusive and equitable political system that reflects the diverse aspirations of all Nigerians.
Recommendation
Based on the complexities of the impact of same faith tickets on the Nigerian political atmosphere, the following recommendations can be made:
- Encourage greater political inclusivity: Rather than relying solely on same faith tickets, political parties should strive to embrace greater inclusivity by promoting diversity and allowing candidates from all walks of life to participate in the political process. This will help to reduce religious and ethnic tensions and promote a more cohesive political environment.
- Address underlying issues: The promotion of same faith tickets is often a symptom of deeper underlying issues, such as poverty, inequality, and corruption. It is, therefore, crucial that these issues are addressed to create a more conducive environment for democratic governance.
- Strengthen the democratic process: Nigeria’s democratic institutions should be strengthened to promote transparency and accountability in the political system. This will help to build public trust and confidence in the electoral process and reduce the potential for violence and conflict.
- Promote interfaith dialogue: Interfaith dialogue should be promoted to foster greater understanding and mutual respect between different religious groups. This will help to reduce religious tensions and promote greater social harmony.
References
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