ETHNO-RELIGIOUS POLITICS AND POLITICAL INTOLERANCE: IMPACTS ON POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Nigeria, an important African country with a diverse population, has a complex ethnic, religious, and regional divide that has fueled anxiety, suspicion, and conflicts. The study examines the impact of ethno-religious politics and political intolerance on political violence in Kaduna State, Nigeria, after the announcement of the 2011 Presidential Election result. The research utilized a qualitative approach through content analysis, employing primary data from government committees and agencies, human rights reports, and secondary data from daily newspapers, periodicals, and literature. The impact of ethno-religious politics and political intolerance was measured through instances of actions and reactions among opposing groups in the study area. The findings revealed that election violence has become a feature of Nigeria’s electoral process due to the perception of politics and political office as an investment and avenue for acquisition of extraordinary wealth. These perceptions make politicians turn electioneering and elections into warfare, leading to corruption, bad governance, and political instability. The study recommends that the government should improve the standard of living of the people by engaging youth into meaningful and gainful ventures, providing free education for all, and promoting mutual understanding among diverse groups to achieve peaceful co-existence.