Ethnicity and Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria, like many other multi-ethnic societies, has always been characterized by a wave of democratization in which there have been attempts at transforming from her "stone age" authoritarian political system to a universally prevailing system of modern governance (democracy). Regrettably, throughout Nigeria's sixty-three years of independence, its experience with democracy has been paradoxical. Though many attempts have been made by the country to govern itself under a liberal democratic constitution, the Nigerian pluralistic nature always serves as a great impediment to democratic practices and consolidation. Significantly, ethnicity has become one of the most politically potent forces in the democratic history of Nigerian society, and it is identified on the basis of distinctive languages and dialectics (Osaghae, 2003). In effect, Nigeria has always experienced democratic convulsion when political entrepreneurs whip up ethnic symbols as a means of winning electoral contests rather than campaigning on the basis of issues and ideologies. In essence, the voting behavior of Nigerians is more often than not tended to be influenced by the sentiments of kinship and ethnicity as asset to be exploited by high status seeker when canvassing for votes. To this end, any meaningful discussion on Nigeria's post-independence democratic practice and consolidation needs to grapple with the challenges and dilemma of ethnic-based politics and tension. Given the foregone, this study will examine the influence of ethnicity on democratic practice and consolidation in Nigeria.