The Democracy and Ethnicity Question in Commonwealth African Countries: A Case Study of Nigeria's Situation

Abstract

In Nigeria, as in many Commonwealth African countries, ethnic identity plays a significant role in shaping the democratic landscape. This influence is evident in voting patterns, the formation of the national assembly, the distribution of economic resources and power, and the selection of the nation's president. Various efforts have been made to develop a democratic culture among Nigeria, such as changing the national anthem, establishing the National Orientation Agency, creating an electoral tribunal, and reintroducing history into the education curriculum. However, these initiatives have not succeeded in promoting culture of democracy among Nigerians. This study aims to examine why ethnicity is prioritized over democratic culture Nigeria, understand how ethnicity inhibits democratic development. It seeks to suggest how ethnicity can connect with democratic culture in Nigeria. Recognition Theory has been adopted in this study to position ethnicity as a constructive factor in democratic development. The study employed a qualitative method for data collection, conducting in-depth interviews with participants purposefully selected from six regions of Nigeria: Northeast, North Central, Southwest, South-South, and Southeast. The findings indicate that while democracy embodies principles of constitutionalism, liberalism, and collective participation, ethnicity fosters divisions, nepotism, unrest, and unhealthy competition. The study concludes that to promote democratic development, it is essential to connect ethnicity with the advancement of democracy, the growth of secularism, and the reduction of religious, ethnic and sub ethnic, and clannish tensions, along with fostering industrialization and improved communication in Commonwealth African countries.