Ethno-Religious Politics and the Challenge of National Integration in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between ethno-religious politics and national integration in Nigeria. The main objective of the study was to examine how identity-based political practices, voting behavior, and discriminatory practices influence national integration in Nigeria. Guided by Social Identity Theory, the study sought to determine how ethnic and religious identities influence political participation, weaken national identity, and affect equal citizenship rights. A qualitative descriptive research design was adopted, relying on documentary sources such as scholarly publications, government reports, constitutional provisions, policy documents, electoral records, and reports of national and international organisations. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings revealed that ethnicity and religion remain dominant factors in political mobilisation, electoral behaviour, public appointments, and resource allocation in Nigeria. Political elites frequently manipulate these identities for political advantage, resulting in political exclusion, social division, and weakened national unity. The study also found that identity-based voting patterns reduce cross-ethnoreligious political participation, while discriminatory practices, including the indigene-settler dichotomy, ethnic and religious exclusion, gender inequality, disability discrimination, and unequal access to socio-economic opportunities, undermine equal citizenship and public trust in state institutions. The study concludes that the major challenge to national integration in Nigeria is not ethnic and religious diversity itself but its persistent politicisation and institutionalisation in governance and electoral processes. It recommends strengthening inclusive and merit-based governance, enforcing constitutional guarantees of equality, promoting civic and multicultural education, encouraging interfaith and interethnic dialogue, reforming discriminatory institutional practices, and promoting issue-based politics.