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SUMMARY
Religion has been a critical element of Nigeria’s politics because it has the propensity to shape people’s world view, influence their thought pattern, inform state decisions and provide a gauge to measure the legitimacy of government. Civic and leadership education, politically motivated preaching (campaigns) and active participation as political contestants are some of the religious strategies used for political mobilization. Religion can influence political participation in voter turnout, campaign work, contacting governmental officials, protesting, and participating in community politics. Religion can be used as a political tool for mobilizing the people towards national unity and it can equally be used to create very sharp dichotomies that are usually associated with serious ethno-religious crisis. Elites and leaders of the two major religions most explore avenues that should build a stronger and united country limiting their differences. The practice of reading religious overtones into any national, state or local government action is a recipe for crisis and a time bomb for the country. Kukah cautions that the notion that both sides see each other as a platform for protecting their members and faith is dangerous and fraught with the possibilities of de-escalation into violence.
