Nigeria is located in West Africa.

It is the most populous country in Africa and the seventh most

populous country in the world, with a population of over 200 million people. Nigeria is known for her
diverse culture, rich history, and abundant natural resources.Nigeria has a complex history that dates
back thousands of years. The region that is now Nigeria has been inhabited by various ethnic groups and
kingdoms, including the Nok civilization, the Kanem-Bornu Empire, and the Benin Empire. European
contact with Nigeria began in the 15th century through Portuguese explorers. The British eventually
established colonial rule over Nigeria in the late 19th century. Nigeria gained independence from British
colonial rule on October 1, 1960.Nigeria is a federal republic composed of 36 states and one Federal
Capital Territory (FCT), which houses the capital city, Abuja. The country operates under a presidential
system of government, with an executive branch headed by a president who serves as both the head of
state and head of government.

The country called Nigeria today was a hóme tó several kingdoms and city states. They had there socio
political structures which differs from onè kingdom to thè next. When thè colonialist came they realize
the structure is rigid so they had to almagate for ease administration and economic expliotation. The
forceful amalgamation of over 350 ethinic groups ás onè political unit by this act they had created a
nation polarized by ethinic divide and the awareness of each ethinicity to claim rights.

Ín 1939 Bernard Bourdillon, the Governor of Nigeria then , split Nigeria into three (3) regions: North,
East, and West in 1939 .Each region had its own administrative structure and was governed by a British-
appointed governor. The British introduced a system of indirect rule, whereby they relied on traditional
rulers and local elites to administer their policies and maintain control over the population. This system
allowed the British to exert their authority while minimizing direct intervention in local affairs.

Thè history of the connection between ethinic and politic can be traced back to the colonial
constutions , thè richard constution introduced ethinicity and politics ín Nigeria The richard
constitution of 1949 introduced regionalism which inspired thè Nigeria Ethnic and political relationship,
exacerbated existing tensions and rivalries among different ethinic groups ,each region sought to control
national affairs, ít also favored certain ethinic groups over others, struggle for dominance ánd influence
among different ethinic groups. Thè political parties that wèrè active were : Nnamdi Azikiwe igbo
speaking regions(NCNC) Action Group (AG) lèd cheif obafemi awolowo represented thè yoruba,
Northern Elements progressive union(NEPU) but emerged during the richard constitution era . Lagos
yourth movement ( lym address issues specific to lágos and íts diversw population.

Thè political parties also provided a platform for different ethinic groups to articulate their ethinic
groups interests. Which lèd to parties mobilizing for ethinic lines , parties secure Favourable terms for
their respectives constituencies All of this show how politics, political parties mediated between Ethnic
factions. Party leaders often leveraged ethinic affiliation to consolidate their support base.
Ethnicity in Nigeria refers to the categorization and identification of individuals based on their cultural,
linguistic, and ancestral backgrounds. Nigeria is a diverse country with over 250 ethnic groups, each
having its own distinct language, customs, traditions, and historical origins. The major ethnic groups in
Nigeria include the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, Ijaw, Kanuri, Tiv, Ibibio, Efik, Nupe, and Gwari, among
others. Nigeria is a highly diversified country(kolawole A.O 2003)

The concept of ethnicity in Nigeria is complex and multifaceted. It encompasses various factors such as
language, religion, geographical location, and historical heritage. Ethnic identity plays a significant role in
shaping social interactions, political dynamics, and economic relationships within the country.

Ethnicity in Nigeria has its roots in pre-colonial times when different ethnic groups inhabited distinct
territories with their own socio-political structures. The arrival of colonial powers in the late 19th
century further influenced the formation and consolidation of ethnic identities. The British colonial
administration employed a policy of indirect rule which relied on existing traditional authorities and
recognized ethnic divisions. This policy reinforced ethnic consciousness and contributed to the
development of ethnic-based political organizations.

Ethnicity in Nigeria is often intertwined with issues of power-sharing, resource allocation, and political
representation. The country has experienced periods of inter-ethnic tensions and conflicts resulting
from competition for resources or perceived marginalization of certain ethnic groups.

The Nigerian government has made efforts to manage ethnic diversity through various means such as
federal character principles, which aim to ensure equitable distribution of political appointments and
resources among different ethnic groups. Additionally, the creation of states along ethno-linguistic lines
during the post-independence period was intended to address demands for regional autonomy and self-
governance.

However, despite these efforts, ethnic tensions persist in Nigeria. Factors such as economic disparities,
religious differences, political manipulation, and historical grievances contribute to the perpetuation of
ethnic divisions.

It is important to note that while ethnicity plays a significant role in Nigerian society, it does not
necessarily determine an individual's identity or allegiance. Many Nigerians identify with multiple ethnic
groups or consider themselves as Nigerians first and foremost.

Politics is ubiquitous ,ín other word Lágos occupies a population ín thè Federation of the Nigeria. Thè
foundation of which lágos was built wèrè íts deverse population and its consequent many sided culture
and form of religion. Politics is ubiquitous ,ít is omniopresent ín human life . Politics is that which
concern thè state and publics activity . The government role is to represent its citizens and protect them
through adequate social welfare. Thè interwing of ethinicity and politics ín Nigeria can be traced back to
thè colonial era which the british establish power to the traditional rulers of ethinic groups , this started
the journey of ethinicity rivary and Competition among ethinic groups to access power ánd resources.
Political elites uses there power to Favour án ethinic constituencies. This has also fuel Conflicts ánd
violence ,particularly during election for power struggle. Both can be used to address the modern
challenges .

Okwudiba Nnoli (2008) The role of ethinicity in Nigeria politics delves into thè historical ,social and
political factors that have shaped ethinic politics ín Nigeria examing the impact of colonialism,
introduction to regionalism,post independence governance and inter -ethnic relations

The issue of thè general election ín 2023 was also one of the current issues of ethinicity and politics
which has been consisten over the years ,and the questions is how can this be solve ? How can this be

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Nigeria is a diverse nation with various ethnic, cultural, and social backgrounds, and has battled wíth
ethinical rivals.An Ethnic group is defined in okechukwu Ibeanu (2000) as a collectivity within a lager
society having real or putative common ancestry, memories of a shared historical part and a cultural
focus on one or more symoblic elements defined as the perfect example of their people. Example of
such symoblic elements are kinship patterns physical contiquity ,regions affiliation,or ány combination
of these elements. Nigeria a multi-cultural or multi ethinic society is by implications a society a wíth
plural structural units.The 2023 election was highly competitive with various ethinic political participants
sourcing for political power at the state and general election. For example during the Presidential
election ,the top three (3) Presidential Candidates of the APC, PDP and the Labour Party which are: Bola
Ahmed Tinubu (APC) from the Southwest , Atiku Abubakar (PDP) nothern part part of the country and
Peter Obí (Lp) from the Eastern part of the country represented the major Ethnic group which was
mentioned above.The influence of ethnicity ín lagos state politics has led to both positive and negative
outcomes.Inter- ethinic tensions and conflicts, particularly during election periods. During the 2023
election, ethnicity influence voter behavior and political alliances. Political parties strategized and form
alliances based on ethnic considerations to gain support from different communities. Candidates from
different ethnic backgrounds also leverage their ethnic identity to appeal to voters and mobilize
support.ethnicity plays a notable role in Lagos State politics during the 2023 election. The Yoruba ethnic
group holds significant political power in the state but faces increasing political participation from other
ethnic groups such as the Igbo. While ethnicity can influence voter behavior and political alliances, it is
not the sole determinant of electoral outcomes. Other factors such as ideology, governance track
record, party affiliation, and individual candidate qualities also shape the political landscape in Lagos
StateThis research project therefore seeks to investigate why ethnicity rivary has been a threat to a
better state during election and recommending a way to solving it.

Research Questions

1. The role of ethnicity in lágos State politics

2. Why ethnicity causes political Conflicts

3 why ethnicity determine voting pattern

4. How can ethnicity serve as a positive factor in lagos state politics

Research Objectives

The aim of this study is to examine the degree to which ethnicity can be instrumental in curbing the
political Conflicts ín lágos State:

1: To examine the role of ethnicity in lágos State

2. Tó know why ethnicity causes political Conflicts ín lágos State

3. Tó know why ethnicity determine voting pattern

4. To recommend how ethnicity can serve as a positive factor in lagos state politics

Research Methodology

A methodology is a broad approach to data collection, whereas the methods are the exact tools used for
data extraction.The subject of ethnicity is a vital political and social issue in Nigeria, given the country's
heterogeneous composition with divers ethnic and cultural makeup. The research will adopt: mixed
methods research combines both qualitative and quanlitative approaches to gain a comprehensive
understanding of a research topic collecting both numerical and qualitative data(through interviews or
observation ) to examine the causes of ethnicity and politics ín lagos state from numerous angles. Which
can also adopt the case study and historical research too

Method of Data Analysis

In the analysis of this work, the quantitative and qualitative data interpretation method will be adopted.
To ensure the reliability and validity of the sourced data, the data collected will be subjected to in-
depth, critical and logical reasoning to allow us investigate the degree to which ethnicity can ameliorate
politics ín lágos

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The idea of ethnicity simply refers to the group of people who share same cultural belief and historical
background The study will contribute to the consant ethinic Conflicts over year for the struggle for
political power,struggle for power ( David Easton) Ethinicity and politics has a huge factor ín endagering
the growth of thè country since the genesis. Each ethinic always look for a survival mood .

The findings of this study will help in solving the struggle for political power amidst the ethinic groups .
Therefore, promoting unity ,stability and foster nationalism. The goal is to foster sense of nationalism as
against ethnicity awareness, sustainable growth and progress in Nigeria.

Scope of the study

In this research, focus Will be on how ethnicity influence politics ín lágos State during election. During
the 2023 general election , the residents of lagos state compromised of mix different ethnic groups.
People aligned themselves with Candidates who share same ethnicity background or have Strong ties to
their ethnic community. And most Candidates offen engage ín ethnici mobilization to garner suppport
from different ethnic groups ín lágos State. Thè scope of this study Will cover 2023 General Election to
address the influence of ethnicity in voting pattern in lágos State.

LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study is limited by historical References

Chapter Outlines

This research is divided into five chapters, starting from chapter one to chapter five.

Chapter one: which is the introductory chapter gives an overview of the research which consists of:
background of the study, statement of problem, research questions, objective of the study, significance
of the study, justification of the study, scope of the study, limitation of the study and methodology

Chapter two.: The chapter makes a clarification of the key concepts. Literature Review concerning the
research topic, and provides a theoretical framework for the study.
Chapter three:provides an overview of ethnicity and politics ín Nigeria, a case study of Lagos state

Chapter four : discusses the ethnicity Conflict in lagos and the pattern of voting during the 2023
General Election

Chapter five: Preesents the summary of the research work and recommendations.