Ethnicity, Religion and Party Politics in Nigeria: An Evaluation of the 2023 General Elections

Abstract

Since the reintroduction of multiparty democracy in Nigeria in 1999, ethnicity and religion are arguably the most profoundly complex issues that have influenced the electioneering process in the country. This study therefore seeks to find out the extent to which these twin factors influenced the 2023 general elections. It is methodologically structured using qualitative and quantitative methods. Both methods draw their information and data from secondary sources- textbooks, journal articles, publications from international institution, INEC portal, newspapers and internet sources. These were presented in tabular form and analyzed using simple percentages, described and explained within the context of the subject matter under investigations. Discussions were focused under four political parties; APC, PDP, LP and NNPP. In making this choice, the paper recognized the importance of the mandatory 25% constitutional provision as a condition for the declaration of the winner of any presidential elections in the country. The results reveal that ethnicity and religious factors played a role in the voting patterns of Nigerians in certain areas, but the eventual outcome was determined by non-compliance of INEC with electoral laws, weaknesses in opposition parties and the politicization of the judiciary. Therefore, it recommended that unless these anomalies are strengthened, future presidential elections will continue to be mirage.