“Muslim–Muslim Ticket”,Christian–Muslim Relations and Peacebuilding and Development in Nigeria: A Reflection on Nigeria’s 2023 Presidential Elections

This study examines the reactions of the Christian community in Nigeria to the “Muslim–Muslim ticket” of the ruling All Progressive Congress in the 2023 general elections, the context of their reactions, and their implications for interreligious relations, as well as peacebuilding and development in Nigeria. Using both primary and secondary data, it was found that the Christian community perceived the “Muslim–Muslim ticket” of the All Progressives Congress as a strategy to Islamise Nigeria and exclude them from the governance of Nigeria. This deepened a religious voting pattern during the elections and deteriorated the fragile Christian–Muslim relations in Nigeria. The voting pattern also prevented thorough engagement between the electorate and politicians seeking votes. Thus, the article argues that the “Muslim–Muslim ticket” and the reaction of the Christian community will not only affect peacebuilding but also the development of the Nigerian State. It recommends programmatic response to rebuilding the Christian–Muslim relationship in Nigeria.