Ethnic politics and its implications for the survival of democracy in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is a multi-ethnic nation with cultural differences between its component ethnic groups. From the north to the coast, the range in types of social system, dress, diet and languages far exceeds that to be found elsewhere in the world. This diversity has resulted into two major problems namely: problems arising between the larger ethnic groups and the hostility that derives from competition between peoples for wealth and power. This paper examines the political implication of this diversity and the problems created by it for the survival of democracy in Nigeria.   Key words: Ethnic group, ethnicism, politics, democracy.