Abstract:

The study Ethnicity and Prebendal Politics in Nigeria espoused that ethnicity and prebendal politics through the manifestation of political control of state apparatus in favour of a particular ethnic group or groups that are opportune to be in political authority has inevitably created a dangerous politics of prebendalism. This has posed fundamental challenges to merit in the selection of appointments and promotion in civil service, national integration, voting patterns and nation-building in Nigeria. The major objectives of this study were: to explain how ethnicity and prebendal politics affected the selection of appointment on merit into governance in Nigeria, to access how ethnicity and prebendalism affect national integration in Nigeria, to examine the impact of ethnicity and prebendal politics on voting pattern in Nigeria and to evaluate the effects of ethnicity and prebendal politics on nation building in Nigeria. The study adopted Focus Group Discussions and semi-structured interview methods, which allow for a comprehensive exploration of participants' experiences, perspectives, and insights regarding ethnicity and prebendal politics. The study relied on the primary and secondary sources of data. Data were analysed qualitatively and supported by Focus Group Discussions and a semi-structured interview approach, small groups of participants from various sectors, such as academics, traditional rulers, bureaucrats, civil society organizations, and policymakers gathered to explore their perspectives on ethnicity and prebendal politics in Nigeria. The study employed four theoretical frameworks, namely the group theory, elitist theory, primordial theory and prebendal theory. Thus, the prebendal theory was considered a more relevant theoretical review of analysis for the study. The study findings revealed that ethnicity profoundly influences nepotism in governance appointments in Nigeria, creating a significant encumbrance of the country's development. Ethnic favouritism is pervasive, as political elites often prioritize appointments based on ethnic and personal connections over merit or qualifications and then use state resources to cater for the interest of their loyalist. The study recommended among others institutionalization of merit-based appointments, strengthening the anti-corruption mechanisms, encouragement of civic education and fostering national integration initiatives will help to mitigate the issues and challenges arising from ethnicity and prebendal politics in Nigeria.