Religion and Party Preference in the 2015 and 2019 Taraba State Governorship Elections, Nigeria

Murtala; Mohammed; Prof. George A. Genyi; Prof. Ogah M. Ari

doi:10.56201/jpslr.vol.12.no2.2026.pg56.65

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Religion and Party Preference in the 2015 and 2019 Taraba State Governorship Elections, Nigeria

Murtala, Mohammed, Prof. George A. Genyi, Prof. Ogah M. Ari

Abstract

Religion has long occupied a contentious and influential position in Nigeria’s political landscape, often shaping party preference through identity cleavages that intensify sectarian mobilization and undermine issue-based democratic choice. In a plural society where electoral competition frequently aligns with ethno-religious divisions, concerns persist that religion may distort rational political participation and threaten inclusive governance. These challenges necessitated an empirical examination of Religion and Party Preference in the 2015 and 2019 Taraba State Governorship Elections. The study aimed to investigate the extent to which religious affiliation influenced party preference across the two electoral cycles and to determine whether its role changed over time. Anchored on Identity Politics Theory, the study justified that political behavior in deeply divided societies is often structured around shared identities, including religion, which serve as mobilizing instruments for political actors and as cognitive frameworks for voters’ choices. A survey research design was adopted, utilizing structured questionnaires and relevant secondary data. Questionnaire responses were analyzed using simple percentages to determine patterns of religious influence, while secondary data were examined qualitatively through content analysis to contextualize electoral dynamics. Findings revealed that religious affiliation functioned as a powerful determinant of party preference, reinforcing identity cleavages and sectarian mobilization, particularly in 2015. However, although religion remained significant in E-ISSN 2504-883X P-ISSN 2695 2432 2019, its role shifted toward a more integrative and symbolic factor, suggesting strategic political adaptation and a maturation in voter expectations. The study recommends that political stakeholders and the Independent National Electoral Commission implement comprehensive civic education programs promoting issue-based voting and democrati

Keywords

ReligionParty PreferenceElectoral BehaviorTaraba StateGovernorship ElectionsNigeria

References

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Religion and Party Preference in the 2015 and 2019 Taraba State Governorship Elections, Nigeria

Abstract

Keywords

References

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