Analysing the Influence of Religion and Ethnicity on Voting Results: A Case Study of the 2023 General Election in Nigeria
摘要
Nigeria’s political arena is characterised by an intense struggle for authority and control at the national level, which fosters an environment of political instability. This relentless pursuit of power has resulted in a volatile and unpredictable political climate, hindering effective governance and impeding the nation’s progress. The country’s deep religious divisions further complicate the situation, and the government’s inability to effectively address these issues has compounded the problem. Ethnicity also plays a pervasive role in Nigerian politics, influencing voting patterns, political appointments, employment practices, and government favouritism towards specific groups. This chapter examines the impact of religion and ethnicity on electoral outcomes in Nigeria, with a primary focus on the 2023 presidential election as the main case study. The study employs a combination of quantitative and qualitative research techniques to analyse election results, with INEC serving as the primary source of secondary data. The analysis focuses on the three major political parties: the People’s Democratic Party 0PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Labour Party (LP). The findings indicate that APC secured 8,794,726 votes, PDP received 6,984,520 votes, and LP garnered 6,101,533 votes across states in different regions. The study also highlights the significant negative impact of ethnicity on Nigeria’s national development. In conclusion, the chapter argues that the interplay of ethnicity, religion, and politics in Nigeria has impeded national integration and hindered efforts towards unity and development. The study recommends that Nigerians should prioritise the national interest over their individual local, regional, ethnic, or religious interests to foster a more cohesive and prosperous nation.