The Interplay of Ethnicity and The Imperatives of Political Federalism in Nigeria

Abstract

In 1914, colonial authorities declared Nigeria a sovereign entity through the "Letter of Patent" in the British Parliament. Over a century later, the country still struggles to evolve into a true nation-state, as evidenced by persistent political instability. Various ethnic leaders have called for a reassessment of Nigeria’s unity and the foundational decisions of 1914. Despite two constitutional conferences since the 1999 return to civilian rule, ethnic, tribal, and religious tensions continue to fuel demands for disintegration. This research explores the philosophical basis of nation-building and argues that Political Federalism offers the most viable framework for unifying Nigeria’s diverse groups. Unlike the vague and contested notion of "True Federalism," Political Federalism is defined here as a model tailored to Nigeria’s unique cultural and social realities. It requires a federal structure moderated to reflect a shared commitment to the "Common Good" through consensus among all stakeholders. The paper contends that a reimagined, pragmatic approach to federalism—termed "Tinkered Federalism"—can mitigate conflicts and foster national cohesion. When properly understood and implemented, this system can address long-standing grievances rooted in ethnic and religious divisions, thereby promoting a just and inclusive society.