Ethnicity & Political Convenience

In an increasingly heterogeneous and globalised world, barriers to political participation have continued to pave the way for inclusiveness. However, the Nigerian political scene has been characterised by politicking along identity lines and other divisive issues over the years. Ethnic politics have characterised Nigeria’s democracy since its independence. Ethnic politics remains a hindrance to the political advancement of the nation. Leadership is continuously assessed based on origins rather than competence. This has fuelled the culture of breeding corrupt leaders who sail on the torrent waves of identity politics and its discontents.

The pluralist nature of Nigeria has arguably made it susceptible to polarisation along tribal and ethnic lines. For instance, in the run-up to the governorship elections in Lagos, the race between incumbent governor Babajide Sanwo Olu, running for re-election, opposition candidate Azeez Adeniran of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV) of the Labour Party (LP) have stirred ethnic sentiments. Long-held sentiments of Lagos state being Yorubaland has surfaced in the state. The political scene has moved from the supposed two-horse race between the APC and the PDP to include a third in the ambitions of the LP candidate, with the spotlight on his Yoruba-Igbo heritage putting his sociocultural identity under scrutiny. During the gubernatorial polls in Lagos state, electoral violence and voter suppression along identity lines were reported across several polling units in the state.

The indigene clause has made integration nearly impossible in Nigeria. The notion of being an indigene to take up a political position hampers progress. Progress has been premised on free mobility and acceptance. While one can see arguments on ethnicity as one thrown up for political convenience, states like Lagos have never elected a ‘strict indigene‘ as the governor. This can be seen with a state like Kano, where their governors have been non-indigenes with roots from other states.

In some other countries, integration has allowed people of diverse origins, including Nigerians, to take up political positions. Prime examples can be seen in the 2022 midterm elections in the United States. Eight Nigerian Americans were elected into political positions. The duality of being Nigerian-American takes a back seat while manifestoes and capabilities take precedence. Other regions worldwide have also seen Nigerians contesting and winning seats in parliament despite their Nigerian heritage. In Cannada, three Nigerians occupy top political positions.

For political progress and development, justice, fairness, and equity should characterise the political scene, with competence being the watchword. There is also a need to take a cue from nations like the US, Canada and Great Britain that have promoted inclusiveness in their political landscape. There is a pressing need to awaken the realisation of heterogeneity in the Nigerian sphere and remove barriers to rapid economic development. Given subsequent elections in Nigeria, states with risks of identity-related violence require more significant considerations and efforts. There is a need to improve security protocols in areas prone to electoral violence and voter suppression along identity lines. Also, the Nigerian government should revisit the constitutional stipulations or institutionalised practices that negatively disaggregate Nigerians based on indigenes’ or settlers’ status. This phenomenon is unhealthy for social cohesion and may become the tipping point of identity tensions, as witnessed during the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.