The Political Manipulation of Religion in Nigeria

Four years ago, as an undergraduate at Ahmadu Bello University, one of the most transformative books that I read was Dr Yusufu Bala Usman’s masterpiece Manipulation of Religion in Nigeria: 1977-1987. The book is a collection of his letters, essays and lectures focusing on how religion intermingled with politics, national cohesion and socio-economic development in Nigeria between the late 70s and 80s. According to him, vested interests had used religion to deepen political sentiments, trigger violence and subjugate the masses in the aftermath of the Biafran War, which lasted from 1967 to 1970. Usman referred to popular uprisings such as Maitatsine insurgency, the assassination of Murtala Mohammed, former military head of state, and the “Islam Only” movement, among others, to justify his claims.  While the book is quite dated, its central message that religion is often manipulated for political purposes is still relevant, especially in light of recent ethno-religious clashes, the Boko Haram insurgency and the looming general elections set for February 2019.