International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research

Authors
Okpala Mathias Onyinye, Onodugo Ifeanyi Chris

Abstract
Religion has risen to prominence in Nigerian politics. The country is the most populated in West Africa and is rich in religious diversity, including Christianity, Islam, and African Traditional Religion. These religions are linked with the country's political actions. Political office holders are utilizing religion to achieve power, while religious leaders are misusing it to gain personal gain from those in public office. As a result, religion has been used primarily negatively in Nigerian politics since independence. The study employs descriptive technique to investigate how the religious impulse has influenced political history and how, when employed positively, it can lead to long-term political progress.