Nigerian politicians have been urged to stop using ethnic identity as a political instrument, a practice that has hindered the country's nation-building efforts. For decades, Nigeria has struggled with the consequences of ethnic politics, with many regarding it as an unavoidable feature of national life. During elections, politicians often form alliances and campaign across the country, but beneath the language of democracy lies another calculation: which ethnic group is behind this candidate, and which region will benefit if they win.
Research has shown that Nigerian political elites have consistently used ethnic identity as a political instrument, mobilizing it during elections to polarize voters and consolidate control. This has led to weakened institutions, social insecurity, declining trust among ethnicities, and stalled nation-building. The problem arises when political competition converts diversity into suspicion, rivalry, and fear, rather than celebrating the country's enormous diversity as a strength.
The use of ethnic identity in politics does not mean that every Nigerian politician is deliberately promoting tribal hatred, nor does it mean that ordinary Nigerians are innocent observers. Ethnic identity exists independently of politics, and Nigerians have legitimate cultural, historical, and communal attachments. However, when politicians discover that these attachments can be converted into political currency, tribalization becomes politically useful.
The consequences of ethnic politics in Nigeria are enormous, including the erosion of trust in government institutions. When citizens believe that institutions serve ethnic or regional interests rather than citizens equally, confidence in those institutions declines. A person who believes that the law is applied differently depending on who owns a business or where someone comes from will naturally become less willing to regard the state as neutral.
The prevalence of ethnic politics is connected to the weakness of alternative national identities and citizens' perceptions that the state does not consistently deliver distributive justice. This has led to political impunity, as politicians can rely on ethnic loyalty to survive controversy, and accountability becomes weaker. Supporters may defend wrongdoing simply because the accused is regarded as "their own", while opponents may condemn the same conduct because the accused belongs to another group.
The dangers of ethnic politics in Nigeria also include instability and economic costs. When political competition becomes an ethnic contest, losing an election can feel like losing access to the country itself. Elections become existential battles, and social media becomes a weapon for amplifying stereotypes. The economy also suffers, as Nigeria's economy does not recognize ethnic boundaries, and businesses and investments are often hindered by ethnic considerations.
To overcome these challenges, Nigerians need to demand accountability from political leaders without being accused of betraying their people. A healthy political culture requires citizens to be able to criticize politicians from their own ethnic or regional community without fear of reprisal. By promoting a sense of common national belonging and celebrating diversity, Nigerians can work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
Key points
- Nigerian politicians have been accused of using ethnic identity as a political instrument, fuelling suspicion, rivalry, and fear, and undermining nation-building efforts.
- The use of ethnic politics in Nigeria has led to weakened institutions, social insecurity, declining trust among ethnicities, and stalled nation-building.
- To overcome these challenges, Nigerians need to demand accountability from political leaders and promote a sense of common national belonging.
