Author(s):
AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm, ,
Usman Adetunji Adefabi, ,
Abstract:
This paper examines how Islamic governance concepts-maqasid al-Shari'a (higher objectives of
law), siyasa shar'iyya (public policy oriented to the Shari'a's aims), and shura/ijma
(consultation/consensus)-interact with Nigeria's federal constitutional order and legal pluralism
to shape political development. Anchoring analysis in Nigeria's historical trajectories and
contemporary debates on Shari'a integration, Islamic leadership, security, and gender, the paper
proposes a concise analytical model: Islamic norms, institutional mechanisms, and governance
outcomes. Three domains structure the discussion: (1) court systems and dispute resolution, (2)
intermediary organisations and leaders in policy mediation, and (3) pluralism, security, and
gendered participation. We advance testable propositions about when legal pluralism improves
perceived fairness and intergroup trust; how shura-style consultation can be institutionalised in
budgeting and conflict mediation; and what design features support women's political inclusion
while respecting Islamic normative commitments. Implications include standardising Shari'a-
civil appellate interfaces, formalising interfaith prevention councils, and building consultative
forums into state policy cycles.
IWF