Islam (as does Christianity) constitutes an integral part of African politics. This chapter draws on the Nigerian example to illustrate the link between Islam and politics, as well as reflect on the global relevance of Islam in the post–September 11 world. The chapter addresses two issues: what Islam means for Nigerian politics; and some considerations for understanding Nigerian Islam in global politics, in particular with reference to the United States following the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Nigeria has one of the largest concentrations of Muslims in the world, and Islam has played a leading role in its politics: like the proverbial mouth with teeth, there will be the occasional pains of toothache. The data on Islam is extensive, and some conclusions can be applied to many other African countries with their plural identities and complicated politics. As the chapter makes clear, Islam does not operate in a political vacuum—issues of ethnicity, power rivalry, and the ambitious search for money create their own impact on the religion itself.

To be sure, Nigeria is not an Islamic state, as it is under a democratic government with a secular constitution and the rule of law. Nevertheless, Islam is important in Nigeria, and has an impact on politics and social life. Islam is entrenched in Africa. In Nigeria, it is an old religion, with millions subscribing to the faith. In many historical periods, Islam had served as a unifying force (as in the case of the Sokoto Caliphate during the nineteenth century). Islam has also contributed in many ways to Nigeria’s development, notably in providing the sources to organize politics and society, fostering community cohesion, and creating an ideology of change.

Without any fear of contradiction, it can be asserted that Nigeria cannot be understood without Islam. To begin with the areas of intersection between Islam and politics, first, the government’s failure to promote development or enhance living standards will continue to make Islam an attractive “ideology” for organizing change and seeking better or alternative solutions to a myriad of problems. In general (as well as in different historical epochs), Islam has expressed itself as a radical religion and political ideology.