Nigeria is one of the most populous Muslim countries of the world where religion has been a major factor in politics. Specifically, Islam has played and continued to play notable role in politics in the country whose constitution and rule of law are of secular orientation. Yet, there has not been a systematic study devoted to the political activities or participation of Muslim organizations in governance in the country. This article investigates the interplay of power and religion in Nigeria during her colonial period and the first 40 years of her political independence namely, as well as the role of Muslim organizations in electoral processes and democratization in the country during that period. Questions addressed are as follows: What was the nature of religious identities in Nigeria during this period? How did religious identities of the citizens impact on politics in the country during the period? What roles did Nigerian Muslim organizations play in politics during the period and to what extent were they reckoned with as a force for democratization in the political process. The study is historical and also critical and analytical in method. It has the potential to provide the country a clear direction on the ideal role of religious bodies in a political process in view of the nature of the relationship between state and civil society of which religious organizations are a part. Such a contribution is capable of shaping, influencing or curbing the growing and excessively militant dimension of political Islam in the country.
Source: World Journal of Islamic History and Civilization
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