RELIGIOUS POLITICS IN NIGERIA AND THE MUSLIM/CHRISTIAN TICKET IN KADUNA STATE

Abstract

Kaduna State, with a near-equal Muslim–Christian population, has long been a nexus of interfaith coexistence in northern Nigeria. Historically, political tickets in the state followed a sensitive balance known as the Muslim–Christian arrangement, designed to ensure inclusivity and mitigate sectarian tensions. However, the introduction of Muslim–Muslim tickets by political actors like Governor Nasir El-Rufai in 2019 and later continued by his successor’s party in the 2023 gubernatorial election has provoked controversy and reignited longstanding fears within Christian communities. This study investigates how the departure from the conventionally inclusive Muslim–Christian ticket in Kaduna State has impacted political representation, interreligious relations, and social cohesion. It addresses the central question: What are the political and social implications of adopting Muslim–Muslim gubernatorial tickets in a religiously plural context like Kaduna? Utilizing a qualitative research design, the study draws on media content analysis, statements from religious and political stakeholders, and official election records. Key sources include news articles, party declarations, civil society commentaries, and local demographic data. Muslim–Muslim ticket nominations were perceived by Christian communities as exclusionary, triggering protests and formal opposition from groups like Christian Association of Nigeria. The study concludes that Muslim–Muslim tickets in Kaduna challenge the fragile architecture of religious inclusivity that has sustained political legitimacy and social peace. While they may reflect short-term electoral strategies, such practices pose long-term risks to interfaith trust, democratic accountability, and civic stability. The study therefore recommends institutionalizing ticket balancing norms within party platforms and electoral regulations.