THE IMPACT OF SAME FAITH TICKET ON THE NIGERIAN POLITICAL ATMOSPHERE: A REVIEW OF APC 2023 CHOICE OF PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE.

CHAPTER ONE:

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

At Nigerian politics, particularly in this period after the country's independence, religion has been the most influential component. Regardless of one's perspective on religious belief, the reality that it has an influence on political processes in Nigeria cannot be ignored. The clear interaction between religion and politics has drawn the views of academics, and what seems to be the consensus of such replies is the equivocal role that religion plays in the growth, development, and survival of the Nigerian country (Adebanwi, 2022; Hornby, 2020; Imo, 2022; Falola, 2022; Obiefuna, 2018). In light of this, determining the extent to which religion plays a role in the arena of politics is not a trivial matter, since the answer to this question relies, at least in part, on how much importance Nigerians place on their religion. To put this another way, we might argue that the effects of religion on political life in Nigeria may either be beneficial or harmful.

Nevertheless, there will be still another general election in the year (2023). Is it even feasible for us to see a paradigm change with respect to the voting habits of the various demographic groupings that make up Nigeria? The People's Democratic Party, the All Progressives Congress, and the Labour Party are the three main political parties that will be competing for the presidency in 2023. Each of these parties has already chosen their candidates for president and their running mates (Alao, 2022). However, the fact that the APC is running a Muslim running with another Muslim has caused uproar in Nigeria. Bola Tinubu, the candidate for president of the political party, is a Muslim from Yorubaland, and Kashim Shettima, his running mate, is a Muslim from the northern region of the country (Chiedu, 2022). In the annals of Nigeria's political history, a Muslim-Muslim ticket for the presidency is not unusual. In the past, the Abiola-Kingibe presidential ticket, running on the platform of the Social Democratic Party at the time, was victorious in the presidential election held on June 12, 1993. This election was deemed to be the most free and fair presidential election in our country's political history. It is often believed that Nigeria is divided along ethnic and religious lines; hence, the pairing of candidates for the presidency on the APC ticket reeks of callous insensitivity to the millions of Nigerians who practice religions other than Islam (Ayantayo, 2022). Hence, this study will examine the impact of same faith ticket on the Nigerian political atmosphere: A review of APC 2023 choice of presidential candidate.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Religious diversity may be seen across Nigeria as a country. In addition to the world's three largest religions—Christianity, Islam, and traditional religion—there are a number of minor faiths that vie with one another for importance and prominence (Familusi, 2022). Despite the fact that this is the case, Nigeria is considered to be a secular state in principle. Since the country's independence, this provision has been included in the constitution. The issue of religion and ethnicity, however, tends to raise its ugly head most often and threatens our continuing existence as one undivided and indivisible nation every time there is a general election, which occurs at regular intervals. Instead of voting for a presidential candidate who possesses leadership qualities, moral probity, and patriotism, the majority of Nigerians will cast their votes for a candidate whose religious and ethnic groups are the same as theirs. This is preferable to voting for a candidate who possesses these qualities. Do you still find it puzzling that Nigeria is mired in political impasse, economic stalemate, and technical backwardness? Nevertheless, due to the fact that the APC is running a Muslim running for president with another Muslim, which is provoking outrage in Nigeria, presently (Kastfelt, 2022). Bola Tinubu, the candidate for president of the political party, is a Muslim from the Yoruba ethnic group, and Kashim Shettima, his running partner, is a Muslim from the northern region of the country. In the annals of Nigeria's political history, a Muslim-Muslim ticket for the presidency is not unusual. Hence the need to look into the impact of same faith ticket on the Nigerian political atmosphere: A review of APC 2023 choice of presidential candidate.

1.3       Objective of the study

The general objectives of the study is to examine the impact of same faith ticket on the Nigerian political atmosphere: A review of APC 2023 choice of presidential candidate. The specific objectives is as follows:

i.          To examine if same faith ticket have an impact on Nigeria political atmosphere.

ii.        To find out the challenges facing the choice of same faith presidential candidate in Nigeria.

iii.      To investigate if same faith ticket will disrupt the fragile peace that exists  among the different religious groups in Nigeria.

iv.      To assess if same faith presidential ticket can engender peaceful and harmonious existence among the diverse peoples of Nigeria.

1.3 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

i.          Does  if same faith ticket have an impact on Nigeria political atmosphere?

ii.        What are the challenges facing the choice of same faith presidential candidate in Nigeria?

iii.      Will same faith ticket disrupt the fragile peace that exists  among the different religious groups in Nigeria?

iv.      Will  same faith presidential ticket engender the peaceful and harmonious existence among the diverse peoples of Nigeria?

1.4 Significance of the study

This study will be significant to the government, religious bodies, and even political parties as it will expose them to the need of putting the country first in whatever political and personal decisions based on politics that is been made and also put the interest of the entire country at heart when picking their party presidential candidates.

The study will be of benefit to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.5 Scope of the study

The study will examine if same faith ticket have an impact on Nigeria political atmosphere. The study will also find out the challenges facing the choice of same faith presidential candidate in Nigeria.  Furthermore, the study will assess if same faith presidential ticket can engender peaceful and harmonious existence among the diverse peoples of Nigeria. Lastly, the study will investigate if same faith ticket will disrupt the fragile peace that exists  among the different religious groups in Nigeria. Hence this study will be delimited to the All Progressive Congress(APC)

1.6 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.7 Definition of terms

Same faith ticket: two political aspirant from same political party that are connected to same religion

Political atmosphere: the aggregate mood and opinions of a political society at a particular time.

Presidential candidate: A candidate for election as President