Religion and Society: Implication to Political and Social Cohesion in Nigeria

Religion remains one of the most influential forces shaping political and social life in Nigeria, often serving as both a source of unity and a driver of division. In Lagos State, Nigeria’s most religiously diverse and cosmopolitan region, the intersection of religion with politics and society raises critical questions about its role in fostering or undermining cohesion. This study investigates the implications of religion on political and social cohesion in Lagos State, with a focus on how religiosity and religious polarization influence trust, tolerance, and intergroup cooperation. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was employed, targeting a sample of 400 adult residents selected through multistage stratified sampling across ten Local Government Areas. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising validated scales on religiosity, religious polarization, political cohesion, and social cohesion. Reliability was assessed through Cronbach’s alpha, and construct validity was established via factor analysis. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analyses. Findings revealed that respondents exhibited a high level of religiosity and general agreement with statements promoting political and social cohesion, while strongly rejecting expressions of religious intolerance. Correlation analysis indicated a weak but significant negative relationship between religiosity and political cohesion (r = –0.101, p = .047), and a non-significant relationship between religious intolerance and social cohesion (r = .065, p = .205). Multiple regression results showed that religiosity and intolerance jointly predicted political and social cohesion (R² = .048, p < .001), with religiosity emerging as the stronger positive predictor. The study concludes that religion in Lagos State functions more as a unifying than divisive force. High religiosity, when moderated by tolerance, enhances political inclusiveness and intergroup cooperation. The findings underscore the need for policies and interfaith initiatives that harness the moral and integrative potential of religion to promote democratic stability and social harmony in Nigeria.