“We have suffered enough and it may even get worse if care is not taken”: Discussing the role of churches in the 2023 general election in a Nigerian town

Abstract

This is a qualitative survey of the churches’ role in the electoral process of 2023 in Nsukka, Nigeria. Using semi-structured oral interviews and participant observation, the study revealed that churches in Nsukka participated actively the electoral process of 2023. Reasons identified for this approach included: belief in the new electoral law expected to ensure a credible election, the Peter Obi effect, and most importantly, local developmental problems which left many Christians in Nsukka disappointed with the ruling party in the area. Findings in the study indicated that such an approach by churches to the election has both positive and negative implications. The study concluded that there is a need to moderate the involvement of churches in the area in subsequent elections to not undermine the principles of democracy which offer people choices of who to vote for in an election.