Ethnocentrism in African politics: The Nigerian experience

Abstract

ABSTRACT The article identifies ways of solving the problem of ethnic bigotry and minority rights in African politics with a focus on democracy in Nigeria. It uses the pluralistic model to demonstrate the need for an inclusive government in Nigeria, cutting across tribes and religion. Desktop reviews of past and present Nigerian leaders were conducted, and content analysis was used as a research method. A correlation was found between the chances of a politician becoming the president of Nigeria and his or her state of origin. Since democracy is a game of numbers, it might be difficult for persons from the minority ethnic groups to become a Nigerian president. So, the article recommends, among other things, that Nigeria adopts a rotational presidency with a non-renewable five-year mandate. The model will enable both the members of the major and the minority ethnic nationalities to serve in key positions in the Nigerian government, as well as parliaments in the subsequent administrations.