An examination of ethnicity in the political system of Nigeria: a study of party formation and electoral behaviour (2019-2023)

This study explores the profound influence of ethnicity on the political system of Nigeria, focusing on its implications for political party formation, voting behavior, and the broader challenges of ethnic integration. This research aims to evaluate the notion of ethnicity on the political system in Nigeria from 2019 to 2023. The research employs a qualitative methods approach, using primary data from semi-structured interviews with secondary data from academic and online sources. Interviews were conducted with a diverse group of respondents, including politicians and civil servants from Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, ensuring representativeness through a convenience sampling of 12 participants. This methodological framework allows for an in-depth analysis of how ethnicity shapes political alignments and voter preferences, with ethnic voting patterns showing variability influenced by sociopolitical factors, regional dynamics, and leadership. Key findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive measures to foster ethnic integration, including constitutional and electoral reforms, enhanced civic education, and structured interethnic dialogue for conflict resolution. The study recommends constitutional changes to address issues of resource allocation, power distribution, and minority rights, drawing parallels with successful reforms in countries like South Africa and Kenya. Electoral reforms are suggested to ensure fair representation and reduce voter discrimination, while civic education aims to cultivate a shared national identity. Furthermore, the research proposes avenues for future studies, such as comparative analyses with other multi-ethnic nations, the exploration of identity intersectionality, policy effectiveness evaluations, and the role of media in shaping ethnic politics. These recommendations aim to guide Nigeria towards a more inclusive, equitable, and cohesive political system that mitigates the divisive impacts of ethnic identity.