Adoption of Ethno-Religious Campaign Strategy and Its Impact on National Cohesion and Internal Security of Nigeria

Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious country that houses more than 250 ethnicities and two major religions – Islam and Christianity – whose intricacies have historically influenced its political dynamics. This study explores the use of ethno-religious campaign tactics by Nigerian political players, and its aggregate effects on national unity and domestic security. Using qualitative research methods and secondary data, the research examines how the politicisation of ethnicity and religion in election campaigns entrenches inter-group divisions, fuels communal conflicts and erodes state legitimacy. The study adopts Social Identity Theory and the Primordialism-Constructivism debate as its theoretical framework. The results demonstrate that ethno-religious mobilisation is a potent but pernicious strategy of political mobilisation that fractures national polity, incites insurgency and erodes trust in political institutions. The research finds that until substantive reforms are made to the Constitution, electoral laws and civil society, the continued use of ethno-religious tactics will continue to undermine Nigeria’s unity and security. Electoral law reforms, platforms for interfaith dialogue and the implementation of the National Cohesion and Integration Act are recommended.