Political Exclusion and the Resurgence of Ethnic Nationalism in Nigeria: A Study Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)

Abstract

The widened democratic space with the inception of new democratic dispensation gave rise to renewed secessionist agitations as a result of perceived socio – political and economic repressions. Thus, ethnic nationalism resurgence was manifested in the renewed demand for Biafra by the secessionist organizations especially the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The paper examined Political Exclusion and the Resurgence of Ethnic Nationalism in Nigeria: A Study Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The theory of political instrumentalism advanced by the American philosopher John Dewey in 1949 formed the theoretical basis for this study. The study adopted survey research design. Data were derived from primary and secondary sources. The population of the study constituted the member of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the old Eastern region comprising of the current South East and South South geopolitical zones. Convenience sampling technique was used to select a sample of 400 respondents for the study. The data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Chi-square. The study found that that political exclusion of an ethnic group in the main stream politics leads to ethnic nationalism. This political exclusion provides a basis for the persistence of Igbo grievances and animosities. The study therefore contends that the resurgence of ethnic nationalism is caused by the people’s perception of political inequities and injustice in the distribution of power and resources in Nigeria. The study recommends that an all, inclusive political system is the key solution. Nigeria should create an inclusive political system where ethnic and religious affiliation will no longer be a defining factor in political participation.