Dis-Unity in Diversity: An Assessment of the Roles of Identities in Political Mobilisation in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper explores the multifaceted roles of identities in political mobilisation in Nigeria. Specifically, it examines how ethnic, religious, and regional identities influence political mobilisation and behaviour, and the militating effect on national coercion. The paper adopted the elite and group theories to provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of identity in Nigeria’s political mobilisation. Data for the study were generated using the documentary method to interrogate mechanisms by which identities are leveraged by political actors to galvanise support and build coalitions to navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s multi-ethnic landscape. The generated data were analysed using the content method of data analysis. Our Findings showed that identity politics has played a pivotal role in shaping drives towards political mobilisation from different standpoints, like the formation of political parties, socio-cultural organisations amongst various ethnic, regional and religious blocs. This underscores the dual nature of identities as both unifying and divisive forces in political mobilisation. Based on this, the paper recommended that groups (identities) should be adequately represented in decision making process at various institutions of government to reduce the rate at which agitations and grievances are expressed violently. Successive governments must strive to promote national consciousness through the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to avoid all forms of disunity and enable future generations to seek unity amidst Nigeria’s diversity.