AN EVALUATION OF POLITICAL ZONING AND ETHNIC INCLUSION IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF THE SOUTH-EAST REGION

AN EVALUATION OF POLITICAL ZONING AND ETHNIC INCLUSION IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF THE SOUTH-EAST REGION

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Political zoning in Nigeria is an informal but influential mechanism designed to rotate key political offices among the country’s diverse ethnic and geopolitical groups. Originating from the need to manage ethnic plurality and mitigate perceptions of exclusion, zoning has become a central feature in political discourse, particularly within political parties and among marginalized regions. The South-East geopolitical zone, predominantly inhabited by the Igbo ethnic group, has been at the forefront of agitation for greater inclusion in Nigeria’s political leadership, especially at the federal level (Ibeanu, 2021; Omotola, 2009).

Since the return to democracy in 1999, the presidency has rotated among the South-West, North-West, and South-South zones, but has conspicuously excluded the South-East from producing a democratically elected president. This exclusion has fueled perceptions of marginalization and intensified calls for restructuring, self-determination, and equity in power sharing. Political zoning is intended to ensure that no ethnic or regional group is perpetually dominant or excluded from the national leadership structure, thereby promoting national integration (Suberu, 2006). However, the inconsistent application of this principle has raised questions about its legitimacy, fairness, and sustainability.

In the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election, the demand for zoning the presidency to the South-East gained prominence. Proponents argued that equitable rotation of the presidency would not only address historical injustices but also reinforce the national cohesion required for sustainable development. Nevertheless, the internal politics of major political parties and the failure to adopt zoning formally in candidate selection resulted in renewed grievances and debates about the efficacy of informal power-sharing arrangements in a multi-ethnic state like Nigeria (Ojo, 2023).

This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of political zoning as a tool for ethnic inclusion, using the South-East region as a focal point. By examining historical trends, party practices, and public perceptions, the study aims to determine whether zoning contributes meaningfully to ethnic balance or merely reinforces elite interests.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite its potential to foster national unity and political stability, the practice of political zoning in Nigeria remains ambiguous, inconsistent, and often manipulated for partisan advantage. The South-East region's continued exclusion from the presidency since 1999 has become a symbol of the failure of zoning to deliver on its promise of ethnic inclusion. While zoning is frequently invoked in political discourse, it is not constitutionally enshrined, allowing parties and elites to apply or ignore it based on convenience.

The exclusion of the South-East from executive political power has contributed to a growing sense of marginalization, manifested in political apathy, calls for secession, and weakened trust in national institutions. Yet, there is limited empirical analysis on the extent to which political zoning has promoted or hindered ethnic inclusion in Nigeria. Most studies either focus broadly on federalism and ethnic politics or treat zoning as a peripheral concern.

There is a critical gap in understanding how zoning operates in practice, particularly in relation to the expectations and frustrations of the South-East. The problem becomes more pronounced when zoning is used as a political rhetoric without a corresponding commitment to inclusivity. This study addresses this gap by evaluating the real and perceived impact of zoning on ethnic inclusion in Nigeria, focusing on the experiences and aspirations of the South-East region.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

To assess the historical implementation of political zoning in Nigeria since 1999.

To evaluate the extent to which zoning has promoted or undermined ethnic inclusion, with a focus on the South-East region.

To examine public perceptions of zoning and ethnic equity in Nigerian politics.

1.4 Research Questions

How has political zoning been implemented in Nigeria’s democratic experience since 1999?

To what extent has zoning contributed to or hindered ethnic inclusion in the South-East region?

What are the perceptions of political actors and citizens in the South-East regarding zoning and national integration?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H₀₁: Political zoning has no significant effect on ethnic inclusion in the South-East region of Nigeria.

H₀₂: There is no significant difference in the perception of zoning between political elites and the general population in the South-East.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study offers critical insights into the dynamics of ethnic politics, informal power-sharing mechanisms, and national integration in Nigeria. By focusing on the South-East, it provides a region-specific analysis that contributes to ongoing debates about fairness, unity, and federal character in political appointments. The findings will be valuable to political parties, electoral bodies, civil society organizations, and policymakers concerned with ensuring equitable political representation and mitigating ethnic tensions. Additionally, it contributes to academic literature on federalism, political inclusion, and democratic development in plural societies.

1.7 Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study focuses on the political experiences of the South-East region of Nigeria from 1999 to 2023, particularly in relation to presidential elections and national leadership positions. It covers the practice of zoning at both party and national levels. The study does not extend to local government zoning or religious power-sharing. Limitations include the difficulty of accessing accurate party documents on zoning decisions and the potential bias in respondent views due to political affiliations.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Political Zoning: The informal arrangement or agreement to rotate political offices among different regions or ethnic groups to ensure representation and balance.

Ethnic Inclusion: The fair and equitable participation of all ethnic groups in political and decision-making processes.

South-East Region: One of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, predominantly inhabited by the Igbo ethnic group, comprising states such as Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi.

National Integration: The process of unifying various ethnic, religious, and regional groups into a cohesive national identity and governance structure.

1.9 Structure of the Study

This research is organized into five chapters. Chapter One introduces the study by providing background, problem statement, objectives, and hypotheses. Chapter Two reviews related literature and theoretical frameworks. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology. Chapter Four presents and analyzes the data. Chapter Five concludes the study with a summary of findings, recommendations, and suggestions for future research.

References

Ibeanu, O. (2021). Zoning, Power Rotation and Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Politics, 17(1), 22–40.

Ojo, E. O. (2023). Power Rotation, Zoning and the Igbo Question in Nigeria’s 2023 General Elections. Journal of African Politics and Society, 15(2), 85–103.

Omotola, J. S. (2009). Nigerian Parties and Political Ideology. Journal of Alternative Perspectives in the Social Sciences, 1(3), 612–634.

Suberu, R. T. (2006). Federalism and Ethnic Conflict in Nigeria. Washington, DC: United States Institute of Peace Press.