The Real Enemy of Nigeria: Tribal Politics, Ethnic Hatred and the Failure to Unite

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | SaharaWeeklyNG.com

Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. More than six decades after independence, the country remains shackled (not by external forces or faulty governance alone) but by a deeply entrenched, corrosive enemy within: tribal politics, ethnic hatred and the persistent failure to forge genuine unity. This is the real disease crippling Nigeria’s potential.

For decades, political discourse has revolved around the presidency, government policies and economic management. Yet, these are mere symptoms not the root cause of Nigeria’s malaise. The real disease is a collective mindset rooted in ethnic insecurity and sabotage, the toxic belief that “if it’s not my tribe, it can’t be trusted.” Until this insidious mentality is confronted head-on and eradicated, no amount of political restructuring, constitutional amendments or economic reforms will salvage the Nigerian project.

The Peril of Tribal Politics
Tribalism in Nigeria is not merely an identity marker; it is a weapon wielded to divide, marginalize and manipulate. It poisons the political landscape, turns governance into a zero-sum game and sows seeds of mistrust among Nigerians. As political scientist Prof. Akin Oyebode of the University of Ibadan once remarked, “Nigeria’s greatest threat is the refusal of its people to see each other as compatriots rather than competitors.”

The statistics paint a grim picture. According to the 2022 Afrobarometer survey, over 70% of Nigerians identify strongly with their ethnic group rather than the nation as a whole. This fragmentation undermines national cohesion and fuels competition for resources, appointments and political influence along ethnic lines. Instead of uniting for the common good, Nigerians often retreat into parochial enclaves, fostering resentments that ignite violence and conflict.

The tragic consequences are evident in the repeated cycles of communal clashes, such as the persistent violence in the Middle Belt and the ethno-religious tensions in the North-East. The Boko Haram insurgency and farmer-herder conflicts are often exacerbated by ethnic and religious fault lines, reflecting the deep societal fractures.

Ethnic Hatred: The Poison That Destroys
Ethnic hatred fuels a dangerous paranoia, convincing groups that their survival depends on dominating others. This paranoia manifests in exclusionary politics and discriminatory practices, as communities jockey for power and control. The political elite exploit these fears for electoral gain, often by stoking ethnic antagonism.

Dr. Chido Onumah, a respected Nigerian journalist and analyst, emphasizes that “ethnic hatred is the cancer eating away at the soul of Nigeria. It creates suspicion where there should be trust and erects barriers where bridges are needed.”

This has led to the rise of separatist agitations such as Oduduwa Republic in the Southwest, Biafra in the Southeast, Niger Delta militancy and calls for Arewa autonomy in the North. While the grievances behind these movements are often legitimate (ranging from political marginalization to economic neglect) the common denominator remains ethnic distrust and the failure to see Nigerians beyond tribal affiliations.

Why Unity Is Nigeria’s Only Way Forward
Nigeria’s diversity is its greatest strength if harnessed correctly. The vast cultural, linguistic and religious mosaic offers unparalleled opportunities for innovation, resilience and global influence. But unity is not just an idealistic slogan; it is a practical necessity for national survival.

Professor Claude Ake, the late Nigerian political economist, famously stated, “Nigeria is a complex society, but without unity, complexity becomes chaos.” He understood that the country’s multiplicity could only flourish in an environment where ethnic boundaries were transcended by a shared national identity.

The failure to build such unity has led to a “balkanization” of the Nigerian psyche. As ethnic mistrust deepens, Nigerians are essentially creating smaller “countries” within Nigeria (Oduduwa, Biafra, Niger Delta, Arewa) each pursuing its agenda at the expense of the whole. This fracturing weakens the country, making governance difficult and economic progress elusive.

Structural Reforms Are Insufficient Without Mindset Change
Since the return to civilian rule in 1999, Nigeria has undergone various attempts at restructuring: constitutional reviews, state creation, power devolution and federal character principles aimed at ethnic balance in appointments. Yet, these structural changes have failed to eradicate ethnic politics.

Why? Because these reforms address symptoms but not the disease. Restructuring cannot heal minds poisoned by tribal suspicion and hatred. No constitution or law can force people to abandon their fears and prejudices.

As Professor Attahiru Jega, former chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), observes: “You cannot legislate unity into existence; it must grow from the people’s hearts.”

The solution lies in deliberate, sustained efforts to build national consciousness. Education systems must promote Nigerian history and values that emphasize unity in diversity. Civic education must confront ethnic stereotypes and promote mutual respect. Political leaders must champion national interest over tribal loyalties.

Voices from Within: Calls for Unity and Healing
Across Nigeria, thought leaders and citizens alike have called for an end to ethnic divisions.

Bishop Matthew Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, has repeatedly warned: “Nigeria is at war with itself, but the real war is in the minds of its people. Until we kill the demon of ethnic hatred, peace will remain elusive.”

Similarly, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka noted: “Tribalism is the enemy of progress in Nigeria. The nation’s destiny depends on the willingness of its people to rise above ethnic particularism.”

President Muhammadu Buhari, despite controversies, acknowledged this in 2021 when he said, “We must learn to see ourselves as Nigerians first and members of ethnic groups second.”

Yet, words alone are insufficient. Nigerians must act by rejecting tribal politics in elections, promoting inclusivity in governance and cultivating inter-ethnic cooperation in everyday life.

The Way Forward: Healing the Nigerian Mind
True progress demands confronting uncomfortable truths about identity and loyalty. It requires honest self-reflection and collective commitment to change.

Educational Reform: Curriculum must emphasize national heroes, history and values that unite rather than divide. Early education should teach children to appreciate Nigeria’s diversity as an asset.

Political Accountability: Politicians must be held accountable for stoking ethnic tensions. Electoral reforms should discourage ethnic vote-banking and promote issue-based politics.

Media Responsibility: Media houses and social platforms must combat hate speech and misinformation that inflame ethnic divisions.

Community Engagement: Grassroots initiatives that promote dialogue and cooperation among ethnic groups should be supported and scaled up.

Inclusive Economic Development: Addressing economic inequalities that fuel ethnic resentment is critical. Development programs must be fairly distributed and designed to bridge ethnic divides.

Final Thoughts
Nigeria’s greatest enemy is not geography, resources or governance alone. It is the fractured mindset of its people and the tribal politics, ethnic hatred and failure to unite. Until Nigerians confront and heal this mental disease, the nation will continue to fracture into smaller entities, each echoing the same broken mentality.

The challenge before Nigeria is clear: to build a new Nigerian identity that transcends tribe, religion and region; to forge unity from diversity; and to place the nation’s interests above ethnic loyalties. This is the only path toward peace, progress and a truly prosperous Nigeria.

As George Omagbemi Sylvester writes, “We can rebuild our country’s institutions, but unless we rebuild the Nigerian mind, we will be trapped in an endless cycle of division and decay. The real battle for Nigeria is fought in the hearts and minds of its people.”