TRIBALISM AND RELIGIOUS DIVIDE IN NIGERIA’S POLITICAL SYSTEM

ABSTRACT

This study examined tribalism and religious division: its impact on the Nigeria’s political system. It discussed extensively the negative effect tribal and religious sentiments had in Nigeria’s political system and how these sentiments have completely distracted gullible Nigerians from actually pursuing what mattered, accountability, transparency and competence. The relevance of tribal and religious groups in the Nigerian political system, the role of tribalism and religious divide in political conflicts, the use of tribal and religious based strife to cover up mediocrity and aid political corruption, and possible solutions to the problems caused by tribalism and religious rift in Nigeria are all important questions that were considered. The research gave an overview of Nigeria’s political system, the concept of tribalism, tribalism in Nigeria, the concept of religion as well as the origins of Islam and Christianity, religious division in Nigeria, the nexus between tribe, religion and politics in Nigeria, the effect of tribalism and religious division in Nigeria’s politics. The research 75 applied both the primary and secondary methods of data collection and the main data instrument was questionnaire. The question was drafted using the main question as guide.