SpringerLink

The politics of visibility in the public sphere: the case of Nigerian Muslims and Christian-Muslim relations - Contemporary Islam

The historical ties between Islam and Nigeria predate the current episodes of violence that, to some extent, now define the Nigerian Muslim community. This relationship is complex, rooted in acceptance, endurance, and integration. The community is notable not only for its large population but also for its intellectual and cultural contributions, despite internal divisions. Its role in religious and political discourse remains significant within Nigeria’s ostensibly secular framework. However, the global war on terror has fuelled anti-Muslim sentiment in Nigeria, turning the public sphere into a battleground where Muslims face religious discrimination, media dehumanisation, and ethno-religious stereotypes. Using a mixed-methods approach, combining open-source literature and expert interviews, this study examines Christian-Muslim relations in Nigeria. A total of 42 interviews were conducted with academics, professionals, and religious leaders (Imams and Pastors) selected for their expertise. The findings highlight the multifaceted challenges Nigerian Muslims face, from internal divisions to external marginalisation. The study also explores how Nigerian Christian elites use visibility politics and dehumanisation strategies to undermine Muslim representation and visibility in public discourse. It concludes that Nigeria’s socio-religious sphere will remain contested, driven by struggles for power, visibility, and resources, ensuring that accusation and counter-accusation persist as defining features of Christian-Muslim relations.