Nigeria’s Faith and Power – A Journey Through Religion, Politics, and Society
One of the most striking patterns in Nigeria’s leadership history emerges when the data is separated into military and civilian eras. The religious composition of those who have held executive power changes dramatically depending on whether the country was under democratic governance or military dictatorship.
Civilian (Democratic) Periods Only
Nigeria has experienced four civilian republics:
- First Republic (1963–1966): Executive power rested with Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (Muslim) – approximately 3 years.
- Second Republic (1979–1983): President Shehu Shagari (Muslim) – 4 years.
- Fourth Republic (1999–present, ongoing as of December 2025):
Olusegun Obasanjo (Christian) 1999–2007: 8 years
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (Muslim) 2007–2010: ~3 years
Goodluck Jonathan (Christian) 2010–2015: ~5 years
Muhammadu Buhari (Muslim) 2015–2023: 8 years
Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Muslim) 2023–present: ~2.5 years
Total civilian years: approximately 33–34 years
Muslim-led: ~17–18 years
Christian-led: ~16 years
The balance is remarkably close to 50-50. This near parity in the democratic era is not accidental. Since 1999, an informal but widely respected convention has developed: the presidency alternates between the predominantly Muslim North and the predominantly Christian South. Major parties typically pair a presidential candidate from one zone with a vice-presidential running mate from the other, often resulting in a Muslim-Christian ticket to reassure both religious communities.
Military Periods (1966–1979 and 1983–1999)
The military eras tell a very different story. Over roughly 28–29 years of military rule:
- Christian leaders dominated the early phase:
Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi (Jan–Jul 1966): ~0.5 years
Yakubu Gowon (1966–1975): ~9 years
Olusegun Obasanjo (1976–1979): ~3 years
Total Christian military: ~12–13 years - Muslim leaders dominated the later, longer phase:
Murtala Muhammed (1975–1976): ~0.5 years
Muhammadu Buhari (1983–1985): ~2 years
Ibrahim Babangida (1985–1993): ~8 years
Sani Abacha (1993–1998): ~5 years
Abdulsalami Abubakar (1998–1999): ~1 year
Total Muslim military: ~16–17 years
The extended military regimes of the 1980s and 1990s – Babangida and Abacha in particular – were led by northern Muslim officers, reflecting the historical concentration of military power in the North after the 1966 counter-coup.
When military years are added to the overall tally, Muslim heads of state account for the majority of Nigeria’s post-independence history. However, in the democratic Fourth Republic – the longest unbroken stretch of civilian rule – the religious balance has been carefully maintained, helping to stabilise a nation where faith and region remain potent political forces.
References: Max Siollun, Oil, Politics and Violence: Nigeria’s Military Coup Culture (1966–1976) and Nigeria’s Soldiers of Fortune; official records of Nigerian heads of state; analyses from the International Crisis Group and the Council on Foreign Relations on power-sharing conventions.
Next Episode: Nigeria’s Changing Religious Demographics: 1960s to 2025
(Tracing how the Muslim-Christian population ratio has evolved from the dawn of military rule through to the present day)