This study analyses the nexus between religion and political behaviour
in Nigeria’s 2019 presidential election, and the effect on voting behaviour
and patterns across the country. The extent of religious cleavages remains
substantial and has not diminished over the years. These cleavages follow
the Christian/Muslim divide, aside from the denominational differences in
Europe and America or the ethnic pluralism in many African states. The
impact of indigenous African religions is negligible because there are too many
for consideration. This article therefore contributes to the recent resurgence
of interest in religion and politics, with the fundamental research question
being: does democracy need religion? The paper infers that Nigeria’s nascent
democracy must promote a secular state, particularly in the face of the deep
ethnic and religious differences that are capable of bringing about a democratic
reversal to autocracy and absolutism if not well managed.