Role of Muslim Scholars in the Prevention and Control of Electoral Violence in Nigeria

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44 Oct. 2019.pdf (474.45 KB)

Date

2019-10-10

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Department of Islamic Studies, Nasarawa State University Keffi

Abstract

Elections are key pillars of any democratic system and have become the commonly accepted means of legitimizing government. Once elections are defective, it is an invitation to violence in the country which may perhaps result into political instability. This study examines the role of Muslim scholars in the prevention and control of electoral violence in Nigeria and its implications for political stability. The methodology for this study is interviewing analytical research design in terms of reviewing the outcome of general elections in Nigeria. The paper adopts Islamic context as a framework of analysis and argued that Muslim scholars are in the best position to ensure the observance of free, fair, transparent, credible and violent-free elections in Nigeria because of their religious position and their closeness to the people at the grassroot. They also holds strategic position disseminating peace messages to the people on the bedrock and foundation of Islamic principles. The study recommends adherence to the Islamic teachings and rule of law as a major step to achieving stability and violent-free elections in Nigeria.

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Keywords

Muslims, Scholars, Prevention, Control, Islam, Electoral Violence

Citation

References Abdur Rahman ToyeseAdesokan, “An Appraisal of Peaceful Coexistence between Muslims and Non-Muslims in Houston Texas of USA,” E-Journal of Arabic Studies and Islamic Civilization 2 (2015): 48. http://WorIdConferences.net. Accessed February 28,2017. Afolabi, B. and S. Avasiloe (2015). Post-election assessment of conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms in Nigeria. Geneva: Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue. Retrieved from: Basedau, M. and C. Koos (2015). 'When do Muslim scholars support faith-based violence? Evidence from a survey poll in South Sudan’. Political Research Quarterly, 68(4), 760-772. Bodewes, C. (2010). 'Civil society and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria: an analysis of a Catholic parish's efforts in Kibera slum1. The Journal of Modern African Studies, 48(4), 547- 57!. Cambridge Dictionary, s.v. “Coexistence,”; Oxford Dictionary, s.v. “Coexistence.” Cheeseman, N., Lynch, G. and J. Willis (2014). 'Democracy and its discontents: understanding Nigeria's 2013 election'. Journal ofEastAfrican Studies, 8(1), 2-24. Chhibber, P. and J.S. Sekhon (2016). The asymmetric role of religious appeals in India'. Berkeley University. Retrieved from: http://sekhon.berkeley.edu/papers/ChhibberSekhon_ identities.pdf Cooke, J. G. (2015). 'Introduction: The intersection of religion and politics in Africa' in Cooke, J. G. and R.

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https://keffi.nsuk.edu.ng/handle/20.500.14448/298

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