Televangelism As a Catalyst for Good Governance and Socio- Political Development in Nigeria
Abstract
This study examined the televangelism as a catalyst for good governance and socio-political development in Nigeria. The theoretical framework of the study was drawn from the social influence theory. A phenomenological research design was employed to explore the lived experiences of individuals influenced by televangelism regarding governance and socio-political development in Nigeria. The target population included key stakeholders such as televangelists, political analysts, and members of the public who regularly engage with televangelist broadcasts. The sample size consisted of approximately 12 participants and participants were selected using purposive sampling and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and patterns related to the influence of televangelism on socio-political development. Findings from the study revealed that the televangelism significantly shapes perceptions of ethical leadership among Nigerian citizens by positioning televangelists as moral authorities who promote values such as honesty, integrity, and accountability, thus encouraging followers to demand higher ethical standards from political leaders and fostering a culture that emphasises moral conduct in governance. The study concluded that the influence of televangelism on perceptions of ethical leadership underscores the significant role that religious leaders play in shaping public expectations for integrity in governance, highlighting the potential for moral discourse within religious contexts to promote accountability among political leaders. The study recommended that religious leaders actively promote ethical leadership principles in their teachings and engage in discussions about accountability, thereby reinforcing the expectations for integrity among political leaders and empowering their congregations to demand highe
