International Journal of Multidisciplinary Education and Research

www.multidisciplinaryjournals.in
ISSN: 2455-4588
Received: 01-01-2023, Accepted: 17-01-2023, Published: 03-02-2023
Volume 8, Issue 1, 2023, Page No. 8-16

Ethnicity, religion, politics and the challenges of national development in Nigeria

Okpala Mathias Onyinye1, Onodugo Ifeanyi Chris2

1
Professor, Department of Religion, Charisma University, Turks and Caicos Islands
2
Professor, Department of Business Education, Enugu State College of Education Technical Enugu, Nigeria
Abstract
Even at the intellectual level, the categories of politics, religion, and ethnicity pose difficulties. The interconnectedness of
politics, religion, and ethnicity as social dynamics in promoting the growth of a nation, however, has become crucial
everywhere in the world. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic country with cultural diversity among its ethnic groupings. Political
upheaval, ethnic chauvinism, young restlessness, corruption, religious prejudice and extremism, as well as other social vices
that impede national progress, have plagued the country. In light of the foregoing, this study explores how politics, religion,
and ethnicity have an impact on Nigeria's national growth. Cross-sectional data were gathered using a structured questionnaire
across the twenty-five local government areas of Delta State using a descriptive methodology. 400 respondents were polled
using a questionnaire using non-probabilistic sample strategies, including convenient and purposeful methods. Correlation and
regression analyses were performed on the data that were collected. The study's conclusions demonstrated that politics,
religion, and ethnicity had a detrimental and considerable impact on Nigeria's national growth. Based on these findings, the
study makes several recommendations, including that the country needs a focused leadership that has a vision for how to put
its citizens at the center of the political project without resorting to ethnic chauvinism and sees obtaining political power as a
means of promoting the welfare of its people as a whole, regardless of their ethnic origin.

Keywords: ethnicity, religion, politics, national development, Nigeria

Introduction unneeded tension has led to intolerance across and among

Nigeria is still looking for a new political system at the age regions. These same politicians recruit and arm political
of 58. Due to the dominance of ethnicity, religion, and thugs, who ultimately lose control of the thugs and turn their
politics, which have a negative impact on Nigeria's progress weapons against helpless citizens (Ilesanmi, 2014) [17]. Since
as a nation and the survival of democratic rule, it is hard to its start, the contemporary democratic system has been
fully realize this goal. In a diverse country like Nigeria, plagued by unheard-of vice disturbances and social unrest
federalism is likely the best structure for addressing ethnic, that have caused extensive property damage and fatalities.
cultural, and religious heterogeneity. In such a system, each These upheavals pose a severe threat to national security
state or territory is free to manage its resources and advance because of their religious and ethnic components. National
at its own rate of development. Nigeria, on the other hand, progress and the democratic process are not supported by
acts in opposition to what it claims to be a federal system of the tension and uncertainty currently present in the nation.
government and does not take into account the identities, Nigeria has recently experienced frequent outbreaks of
interests, or needs of its citizens, particularly its minorities. violence and widespread insecurity in almost all of the
The constitution of the country does not represent the federation's states. The most notable of these is Boko
desires of the populace, and the majority of government Haram, which has been linked to the north and south of
actions are anti-citizen and do not promote national Nigeria's political competition for control of the country's
unification and cohesiveness (Ilesanmi, 2014) [17]. The political power. It is important to understand that the sudden
Nigerian government continues to be disengaged from and seeming appearance of the Boko Haram group at this
acting in its citizens' best interests. The powerful people time in the nation's history is an attempt to undermine both
who developed enormous patronage networks during the the Jonathan Administration and the equilibrium that the
military era and who now utilize political position to grow government has brought about in the nation (Ogoloma,
these networks and their personal wealth control politics at 2012) [28]. Militia organizations also occur in all geopolitical
the federal, state, and municipal levels of the Nigerian zones, along with kidnapping and all kinds of diseases. This
federation. Furthermore, many of these so-called has led to numerous bloodbaths, senseless killings, property
"godfathers" have been cultivating, sparking a local arms devastation, social upheaval, and the accompanying poverty,
race in some areas despite the fact that several governors are insecurity, and unemployment (Ilesanmi, 2014) [17].
being investigated domestically and abroad for money Ogbulafor (2000) [27] asserted that approximately 70% of
laundering. The bonanza continues at the public coffers for Nigerians are affected by poverty because of this. Only in
these power brokers, while the country's basic infrastructure Nigeria do you find political and military leaders who lack
is still in many areas as bad shape as it was during military the knowledge, vision, and skills needed to create a
rule (Kew, 2006 cited in Fagbadebo, 2007) [34, 11]. favorable socioeconomic and political climate. Some of
In Nigeria today, politics is a "do or die" situation. The them and their allies have sponsored most crises and
national politics has become overheated due to the struggle conflicts rather than seeing themselves as champions of
for political power and control at the national level. This world peace and national advancement. Even worse,

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International Journal of Multidisciplinary Education and Research www.multidisciplinaryjournals.in

ethnicity is a factor in all political activity in Nigeria. It believe they share a trait that sets them apart from other
stands out in areas like voting, the distribution of political social groupings, or that this belief is shared by others. All
posts, employment, and overall public favoritism of the groups can be distinguished by their respective religions,
government (Salawu & Hassan, 2011). Additionally, politics, occupations, or languages, as well as by the
ignoring the contributions of religious believers like distinctive cultural behaviors that are typically created
Christians, Muslims, African Traditionalists, and other (Ilesanmi, 2014) [17]. In politics, ethnicity refers to ethnic-
secular ideologists when discussing national development is identity-based behavior that aims to seize state authority at
suicide (Awoniyi, 2015). Today's political leaders and, the macro level and political power at the local level in a
sadly, the so-called clergy of Christianity and Islam have competitive environment (Osimen, Balogun & Adenegan,
used religion so extensively that it has continued to spark 2013) [33]. According to Achebe (1981) [1], ethnicity is a form
conflicts around the globe. Nigeria is one of several nations of birthplace discrimination against a citizen. As it is
that have experienced the brutal murder and mutilation of frequently regarded as a significant role in the
innocent people by Islamic fanatics (Gbadegesin & administration and development processes of many
Adeyemi-Adejolu, 2016) [13]. Therefore, it is highly countries, ethnicity has today become a population subject
desirable to explore how politics, religion, and ethnicity of intellectual investigation to scholars in numerous fields
have affected Nigeria's national growth. Given the both in established and developing countries, particularly of
difficulties created by the indices of pluralism, it even Africa. It would be difficult to find a nation that is
becomes necessary given that we still discuss unaffected by ethnic difficulties, according to Ajayi and
underdeveloped Nigeria today (ethnicity, religion and Owumi (2013) [4], however some nations' conditions stand
politics). out due to the lessons they provide about the influence of
ethnicity on national development. Jiboku and Jiboku
Conceptual framework (2022) [20] also note that ethnic chauvinism, which took the
For the sake of clarity, it is crucial to comprehend and have form of ethnic nationalism, has been a major contributing
a conceptual understanding of these operational terms: factor to the conflict in Nigeria's inter-ethnic relations.
ethnicity, religion, politics, and national development. There is no question that this has repercussions for Nigeria's
national growth and continued democracy.
Ethnicity
The term "ethnicism" does not lend itself to simple Religion
definition, like any other term used by social scientists The hardest phrase or word to define is "religion," which is
(Salawu & Hassan, 2011). However, there is widespread the oldest discipline in human society. Theologians and
agreement on a few issues that are important to social scientists do not agree on how religion is best
comprehending the phenomenon. Although ethnicity is a understood. This is largely due to the intrinsic difficulty in
derivative of ethnic group, it is generally acknowledged that comprehending the "deep essences" of religion, not just
ethnicity only manifests itself when more than one ethnic because academics struggle with the element of subjectivity
group or identity is present. As such, ethnic group must be (Egwu, 2001). Depending on their disciplines, different
defined in order to completely comprehend the meaning of people have different viewpoints on religion or have
ethnicity. The systematic variations in how ethnicity is different understandings of it. For instance, sociologists
defined among nations make this issue particularly crucial. believe that religion has more of a social than a political
According to Osaghae (1994) [32], ethnicity is a troubling relevance, whereas anthropologists see religion as a part of
phenomenon that has a conflictual rather than a consensual culture (Barrett, 2003). Theologians believe that religion is
nature. after listing the aspects of ethnicity that experts the cornerstone of civilization, the supreme aesthetic
agreed upon. According to Cohen (1974), an ethnic group is expression at the core of all decisions and deeds, and the
an unofficial affinity group whose members are final justification for civilization, including all of its
distinguished from those of other ethnic groups within a inventions, artifacts, social, political, and economic
wider community by their shared ancestry, religion, and institutions, as well as its past, present, and future
linguistics. Thompson (2004) [35] describes an ethnic group prophecies and history (Muazam, 2006 cited in Cinjel &
as a group of individuals who consider themselves to share a Chujor, 2017) [8]. According to Durkheim (1965) [9], religion
common identity based on shared ancestry, kinship is a group representation that holds things sacred. Religion
relationships, historical experiences, traditions, and cultures, can be defined in terms of the degree of purity and impurity
as well as maybe speaking a similar language. Ethnic (Shabi & Awe, 2001). According to Yesufu (2016) [39],
groupings are hence social formations that may be identified religion is the act of serving and honoring a god or gods.
by the communal nature of their boundaries (Nnoli, 1978). Religion is a significant component of traditional
Because of their tendencies toward certain ethnic groups backgrounds and has the largest impact on the thinking and
and their territorial mindsets, Nigerian leaders may be emotions of the people involved, according to Mbati (1999),
impacted by these social formations, which have an impact referenced in Ilesanmi (2014) [17]. According to Obilor
on how well they execute and operate. Additionally, (1998), religion gives man the ability to follow the laws of
nepotism and its associated negative effects, most notably his nature, the natural law, and/or the divine law. According
antagonism in the form of interethnic violence, are a natural to Durrant (1920), religion serves as a roadblock to human
byproduct of the interethnic battle for social and economic self-actualization. Without a sure, religion can be viewed in
domination (Ogoloma, 2012) [28]. this way when it has been transformed into an ideological
According to Osaghae (1994) [32], ethnicity is a social tool; otherwise, Karl Marx wouldn't have referred to it as
formation based on practices and symbols that are specific the "opium of the people." a remedy employed by the
to a particular culture. This indicates that ethnicity refers to authorities to keep the people under control. Religion can be
a circumstance in which members of a certain ethnic group a tool for development, ego massage, and dehumanization in

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International Journal of Multidisciplinary Education and Research www.multidisciplinaryjournals.in

the hands of a villain, but it can also be a tool for (Appadorai, 2003). It is interesting to observe that the
humanization in the hands of a saint (Ogugua & Ogugua, Nigerian polity's leadership issue was a manifestation of the
2015) [29]. dysfunctional pattern that existed during the years of the
It has been asserted that one's religion is what completes one military interregnum (Omo-Bare, 1996; Omodia, 2009;
as a whole, yet this claim may not be true since not all Ighodalo, 2012; Ijere, 2015). The Nigerian leadership style
individuals who practice a religion would concur that their lacks the required emphasis to foster political stability and
religion is what completes them as a whole. Basically, Islam national progress. Instead, according to Ake (1995) [5] and
and Christianity are the two most prevalent religions in Sklar, Onwudiwe, and Kew (2006) [34], Nigerian elites are
Nigeria. We have African traditional religion even if focused with their goals to appropriate and privatize the
Christians and Muslims both believe in one God. The Nigerian state. For example, the systemic corruption and the
religious conflict we are seeing around the world is a result accompanying political violence that followed electoral
of these different worldviews (Ilesanmi, 2014) [17]. Today, rigging in an effort to maintain power led to the fall of the
one would be inclined to argue that religion is irrelevant to First and Second Republics (Ayeni, 1988) [6]. Because
society progress and should therefore be removed from attention was diverted to fend off the oncoming forces of
human social life in light of the emergence of religious insecurity and internal regime instability, development
bigots and extremists (Gbadegesin & Adeyemi- Adejolu, performance lagged and political instability persisted in the
2016) [13]. Religious fundamentalism and fanaticism are polity. The democratic process in the Nigerian state today is
frequent names for religious extremism in Nigeria. undoubtedly plagued by poor party politics as a result of a
Fanaticism, according to Hornby (2000) [15], is the holding lack of internal democracy, party indiscipline, a lack of
or display of strong opinions, especially in relation to distinct party ideologies, ethnicization of party politics,
politics or religion. Balogun (1988) [7] characterized subpar political leadership, an overly Westernized
religious fanaticism as the incapacity of religious devotees conception of "democracy," the politicization of the military
to reconcile their theories with the practical realities of their profession, and other factors (Ntalaja, 2000) [24]. These
faith, as well as violent and irrational religious enthusiasm. elements undoubtedly contributed to the demise of
democratic republics in Nigeria and have continuously
Politics posed a threat to the survival of the Fourth Republic of
The word "politics" comes from the Greek word "polis," Nigeria.
which means "city state." The word "polis" carries the sense
of government implicitly. Diverse authors have given Country deelopment
different definitions of politics, and these definitions are a Different people have different definitions of development.
reflection of the authors' political, social, and philosophical A process of economic and social transformation based on
backgrounds. Consequently, there is no agreed definition of intricate connections between culture and environment
politics in existence. Politics, according to Ejizu (1988), is a might be referred to as development (Ajaebu, 2012).
dynamic process in which human and other resources are Additionally, development is connected with advancement
managed and directed after proper mobilization to secure and civilization (Willis, 2005) [38]. Development, according
the implementation of public decisions and policies in an to Walter Rodney as stated in Ajaegbu (2012) [3], is the
effort to maintain social order. Politics, according to Hornby process that includes: physical development, including
(2000) [15], is both the art and science of governance. It is the technologically created man-made things; cultural
branch of science that deals with the definitions, structuring, development, including societal ideals; and personal
and management of a state or a portion of one as well as the development, including psychological directions of persons.
regulation of its interactions with other states. Politics, Martinussen (1997) [23] lists a number of different notions of
according to Onyekpe (2003), referenced by Ogugua and development, including capacity building, dialectical
Ogugua (2015) [29], is about the exercise and control of change, greater welfare and human development,
power. Another way to think of politics is as the process of modernization, and dependency removal. The reduction of
determining who gets what, when, and how. According to poverty, inequality, and unemployment is the goal of
Dyke (1960), politics is a struggle between individuals who societal progress, according to Seers (1979). According to
have divergent goals on societal issues. According to Sen (1999), development entails lessening inequality or
Marxian theory, politics is a fight between opposing social increasing choice. Deprivation is a broad concept that
classes for power over the state because the latter is a encompasses many aspects of poverty, such as hunger,
"instrument of class rule" (Oluwatusin & Daisi, 2022) [30]. illiteracy, disease and bad health, voicelessness, insecurity,
Politics is a domain of deliberate behavior through which humiliation, and lack of access to essential infrastructure.
we aim to live better than we do now, according to Leshe The level of a country's national development can be
(1970), referenced in Ngele (2008). It is well known that determined by the growth rate of its per capital income
Ake (1995) [5] believed that politics was primarily about the relative to those of other nations (Lucas, 1988) [22]. To be
control of power. The degree to which the nature of the acceptable in terms of poverty level, employment,
state, including its authority, determines politics is less well creativity, efficiency, production, and equality, the society
known. Ikelegbe (2005) defined politics as a recurring must undergo a previously unheard-of transformation in
pattern of interpersonal interactions including a sizable tandem with this growth in per capita income. National
amount of authority, control, or influence. development is the capacity of a country or countries to
Despite having different views on politics, the importance of enhance the social welfare of the populace by providing
the state and of power in the political process is a point of safety and social amenities, such as high-quality healthcare,
agreement. Thus, politics is primarily focused on the state, employment opportunities, portable water, and
its institutions, operations, and overall impact on society. It transportation infrastructure (Ajaegbu, 2012) [3]. Faulty
also includes an analysis of government and its duties development strategies implemented in Nigeria since

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International Journal of Multidisciplinary Education and Research www.multidisciplinaryjournals.in

independence have left the population destitute and view the country as a national cake that must be divided
pauperized. These are exhibited by rising levels of poverty, among them (Iyanga, 2022) [19]. Ethnicity has had several
diseases, unemployment, inadequate housing, a shortage of detrimental effects on the country's progress towards
portable water, an epileptic power supply, the exclusion of democratization, to the point where it continues to pose a
minorities from accessing power and resources, and poor threat to the establishment of democracy and national
health care and medical services (Ighodalo, 2012). development in Nigeria. The waste of significant human and
Intolerance, false beliefs, a lack of understanding of material resources in ethnically motivated violence,
religious concepts, fanaticism, extremism, violence, encounters, clashes, and even battles, as noted by Babangida
bloodshed, suicide, insecurity, injustice, corruption, in 2002 and cited by Salawu and Hassan in 2011, as well as
immoral behavior, ignorance, and poor leadership and the threat to the security of lives and property, the
governance are all obstacles to national development in disinvestment of local and foreign components with ongoing
Nigeria. All of these factors are detrimental to the capital flight and loss of confidence in the economy, as well
advancement of a nation. The issues of national as widening gaps are just a few of its negative effects.
development in Nigeria assume such a terrible size that
seems to defy any kind of remedy when these are combined The problems with religion in Nigeria's national
with numerous instances of young misinformation, development
misorientation, and other types of erroneous exposures and Human existence and living, thinking patterns, attitudes, and
experiences (Oladosu, 2015). relationships are all fundamentally influenced by religion.
Any meaningful, comprehensive, and lasting national
The problem of ethnicity in Nigeria's national development in any human culture is thought to be
development dependent on religion (Obiefuna & Uzoigwe, 2012). More
The concept of ethnicity is politically neutral and does not specifically, Kant (1960) argues that the only social force
endanger democracy or national development; on the that can provide a support framework for morality—the
contrary, it may help to foster healthy inter- and intra-ethnic moral code, which is the essential to achieving the highest
contacts and relationships. Problematic is the exploitation good—is religious community. There is no doubt that a
and politicization of ethnicity (Adetiba & Rahim, 2012) [2]. climate of good morals will foster political stability, peace,
Additionally, Iyanga (2022) [19] asserts that multi-ethnic and unity, all of which will favorably influence the
nations frequently have antagonistic and competitive development of the country. If religion is the foundation of
interactions as various communities compete for control of morality, it must combat our culture's materialism and the
the state's political authority and other economic resources, unfair distribution of the nation's riches and services, which
which hinders both political and socioeconomic are controlled by the society's corrupt elements (Gbadegesin
development. As a result, ethnicity offers the framework & Adeyemi-Adejolu, 2016) [13]. However, religion in
through which various people come together, primarily to Nigeria serves as a catalyst for the commission of violence,
realize economic goals. This justification is pertinent to the fostering ethnic consciences and solidarity, the
African environment, particularly Nigeria, where many appropriation of power, the pursuit of socio-economic
groups complain about marginalization in relation to the advantage, mass killings, the willful destruction of lives, and
distribution of national resources (Ebegbulem, 2011) [10]. the vandalizing of property belonging to those who are
The Nigerian state has struggled to preserve the rights of its deemed heretics or who support other religions. This can be
diverse population as equal citizens, ensure that national linked to the animosity between Islam and Christianity, the
resources are distributed fairly, foster national integration two major religions, which frequently led to a quest for
and unity, and realize national development objectives. The dominance, a sour rivalry, and the willful destruction of
many ethnic groups and their organizations fill the gap left lives and property (Ngele, 2008).
by its incapacity to act as an autonomous force above In Nigeria, some religious activities have impeded political
society, mediating between conflicting social interests, and and societal advancement. This backs up Ajaegbu's (2012)
[3]
mobilizing for the fair allocation of economic resources claim that religious terrorism in Nigeria poses a serious
(Iyanga, 2022) [19]. threat to national development because it is visible in
Since the country's independence, Nigeria has faced a Northern Nigeria, where social and economic activities in
number of issues, including those relating to state formation, some of the most volatile states (Yobe and Borno) have
revenue distribution, lack of trust among constituent units, nearly come to a halt due to a steady stream of killings, the
election rigging, restiveness/militancy, the Boko Haram destruction of people's basic sources of livelihood, and the
insurgency, ethno-religious violence, inter-ethnic violence, termination of foreign and local investments, becoming a
the inability of some ethnic groups to hold certain political cog in the development wheel. The rise of Boko Haram in
offices, and political instability (Jiboku & Jiboku, 2022) [20]. Northern Nigeria has had a significant impact on the
These issues obstruct the country's development. region's political, economic, social, and environmental
Furthermore, multi-party democracy, which Nigeria has circumstances as well as the economy of Nigeria as a whole.
embraced at various points in its history, has exacerbated Since 2011, there have been numerous instances of terrorist
the state's political difficulties rather than resolving its attacks, including the bombing of the UN office in Abuja,
ethnic issues. The country's democratic experiments have so the Edet House of Force Headquarters in Abuja, the Madala
far had little impact on its political development or the attacks, the bombing of Gwagwalada Park, the kidnapping
citizens' standard of living (Vande, 2012) [37]. The strongest of the Chibok girls, among many other attacks, particularly
factor influencing Nigeria's political and social interactions in the north-eastern region of Nigeria (Iwuoha, 2014).
has been discovered to be ethnicity. It causes tension and Therefore, religion is a source of not only intolerance,
mistrust between Nigeria's three major ethnic groups— breaches of human rights, and violent extremism, but also of
Yoruba, Hausa/Fulani, and Igbo—and has caused them to non-violent dispute resolution, the defense of human rights,

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International Journal of Multidisciplinary Education and Research www.multidisciplinaryjournals.in

honesty in governance, and reconciliations and stability in institutions and the rule of law prevail. It is instructive to
societies that are split (Appleby, 1996). note that politics is fundamental to the design and upkeep of
institutions, and that the existence of strong institutions
Nigeria's political challenges to national development essentially explains state formation and state capacity,
No matter how effective it is, politics cannot provide better which are significant factors in determining development
and more improved public goods, a political system with and the reduction of poverty in developing states (Leftwich,
weak institutions, client-patron politics, neo-patrimonial 1996). Due to poor institutions, leadership issues within the
networks, and no political will (Ijere, 2015). This backs up Nigerian polity, widespread corruption, and the political
Achebe's (1981) [1] claim that Nigeria lacked solid violence that followed electoral rigging in an effort to
institutions that might help the political system deal with the maintain power, Nigeria still lacks the focus essential to
challenges of governance in a methodical manner. The foster national progress and political stability. Additionally,
success of a nation's democratic experiment can be linked to Omodia (2010), Igbodalo (2012), Ogugua and Ogugua
a political party with a sizable majority of supporters and (2015) [29] make reference to a lack of political will, hesitant
leaders who prioritize the welfare of the country. Political international pressure and assistance, corruption, political
parties in Nigeria were founded by gullible and self- unrest and a wave of insecurity, cross-politicking by
centered religious figures and leaders. The client-patron politicians, electoral rigging, politics of intolerance,
system, referred to as "godfather politics" in Nigeria, has mobilization of religious sentiments, political assassinations
taken precedence over the formal elements of politics, such and youth restiveness, failure to follow the rules of the game
as the rule of law, effectively run political parties, and an of party politics, impunity, and ineffective measures against
honest electoral process (Oluwatusin & Daisi, 2022) [30]. these issues
Nigerian party politics obstruct national progress and foster
political instability. The Nigerian government continues to Theoretical framework
be disengaged from acting in its citizens' best interests. It is The classical model theory and the deprivation theory
interesting to observe that the Nigerian polity's leadership provide us with a heuristic tool for examining the key topics
issue was a manifestation of the dysfunctional pattern that of this study, while there are other theories that would be
existed during the years of the military interregnum. From suitable for a discourse of this kind. The classical model
the post-independence era to the modern new democratic theory, put forth by Clifford Gerrtz in 1975, offers an
experience, which started with president Obasanjo's explanation for the challenges faced in nation-building in
administration and continued through the current the new states as well as solutions to the issue. Following
administration of Muhammadu Buhari, election violence has Geertz, there are "Civil ties," which are affinities based on
been a culture par excellence. In addition to utilizing socio-economic grouping, and "Primordial connections,"
violence, there is a lack of an impartial electoral system. All which are affinities based on biological ties that seem to
of the electoral umpires appointed by this country's flow more strongly than natural or rational choice (Class,
leadership had failed to hold a free and fair election. This status, part, professional group). Primordial relationships are
incompetence could be attributed to two reasons. First off, typically quite resistant to civil order because of their very
the president had the authority to nominate the head of the nature (and particularly since they are territorially defined
electoral commission. Due to the fact that the president, who and can be used as a foundation for establishing the right to
is also the one who pays the piper national self-determination). Contrarily, civic ties frequently
(NEC/FEDECO/NECON/INEC chairman), can hear the involve crises-crossing memberships and cross-cutting
music, this lends validity to the charade Nigeria has been cleavages, making them more conducive to civil order. If
engaged in for years. Second, the ethnicity element the nation-state is to exist, a solution or a procedure by
contributes to the nation's progress toward holding free and which ancestral ties will be replaced by civil ties and
fair elections in which voters use their constitutional rights ultimately subjugated to civil order must be found (Osimen
by casting a ballot (Ngele, 2008). These arguments are et al., 2013) [33]. When applied to Nigeria, the predominance
persuasive in Nigerian politics today. of primal emotions helps to explain the national identity and
The return of multi-party democracy gave rise to hope that ethnicity conflicts. Contrary to what proponents of the
Nigeria's governance problems—good governance, the rule detribalization thesis might have expected, more civilization
of law, freedom, as well as institutional, infrastructural, and has increased the significance of these sentiments. This is
national development—would soon be resolved. However, the paradox of African progress that makes national identity
the rule of law has been in jeopardy since 1999, institutional crises worse. According to Crawford Young, 1979, cited in
weakness is still a concern, effective governance is still out Osimen et al. (2013) [33], the creation, strengthening, or
of reach, and a sizable portion of Nigerians continue to live diversification of social and political representations of
below the poverty line. Obasanjo's National Economic cultural plurality has occurred in dialectic symbiosis with
Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS), the apparent triumph of the nation-state model (group
Yaradua's Seven Point Agenda, Jonathan's Transformation identities founded upon affinities of ethnicity, religion,
Agenda, and Buhari's Fight Against Corruption, Insecurity, language, race and region).
and Poverty Agenda were the successive democratic Additionally, the deprivation theory, which Ted Gurr first
regimes' main policy initiatives. However, they did little to proposed in 1969, and many analysts of the relationship
advance infrastructure development, combat poverty and between religion and violent conflicts in Nigeria have
unemployment, or increase Nigeria's capacity for economic argued that religion has also evolved into a tool for
growth (Ijere, 2015). Without "politics of the belly," protesting various forms of deprivation, exclusion,
Nigeria's vast human and material resources would have alienation, poverty and marginalization, failed development,
produced more benefits for the nation and its citizens during and public corruption, as well as being used by the wealthy
the past 20 years in an atmosphere where democratic elites for a variety of purposes to advance interests that are

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inevitably religious. Muslims in Nigeria consider it their Methodology

right to follow the Islamic sharia in its entirety in order to This study evaluated how politics, religion, and ethnicity
fully and properly perform their religion. On the other side, affected Nigeria's national growth. Since the study used a
Christians argue that the campaign for a secular constitution cross-sectional research methodology, data from all twenty-
amounts to a breach of their right to practice their religion five (25) Local Government Areas in the state were
and that the incorporation of sharia law into any legal collected. In order to contact respondents, convenience and
framework also violates their rights as non-Muslims deliberate non-probabilistic sampling strategies were used.
(Usman, 1987) [36]. Forx (2004) uses the letter position to The electorates in the state were the target demographic.
appropriately represent how the government's active According to the Independence National Electoral
involvement in religious matters serves to exacerbate the Commission (INEC), Delta State had 2470264 registered
problem. Thus, it violates the constitution of Nigeria. The voters as of the third quarter of 2022 (INEC, 2022).
state is trapped in the center of the conflict between the Using the formula developed by Taro Yamane, the 425-
secular and religious options, which breeds so much person sample was chosen from the 2360153-person
animosity that it can both cause and encourage violence. population:
One of the few areas where Nigerian Christians and
Muslims truly feel like they have a point to resolve is the
relationship between state and religion and the management
of that relationship (Cinjel & Chujor, 2017) [8]. Finding
common ground between Muslims and Christians is not just Where N = The population size,
a matter for polite ecumenical dialogue between chosen n= Sample size
religious leaders if there is to be development in Africa in e = Sampling error
general and in Nigeria in particular. This is because if
Muslims and Christians are not at peace, as we are currently
witnessing, there cannot be any real development.
Therefore, if these two main world religions refuse to work
together, development in Africa in general and Nigeria in n = 224.93
particular are at risk. The aforementioned theories are meant
to make it easier to comprehend how politics, religion, and n = 425 Appr.
ethnicity affect a country's ability to flourish.
The following goals and hypotheses were developed for the 425 people were chosen as the sample size as a result. To
study in accordance with the literature review: guarantee fair representation from each Local Government
a. To investigate the impact of ethnicity on national Area that makes up the sample size, electorates in each of
development in Nigeria. the Local Government Areas were randomly chosen.
b. To assess how Nigeria's national development has been Correlation and regression analysis were used to analyze the
impacted by religion. collected data.
c. To investigate the impact of politics on Nigeria's
national development. The study's hypotheses are: Presentation, analysis, and interpretation of data
d. H1: In Nigeria, ethnicity does not significantly affect This study looked at how politics, religion, and ethnicity
national progress. affected Nigeria's national growth. In order to accomplish
e. H2: In Nigeria, religions have little impact on societal this, 250 questionnaires were dispersed around Delta State's
advancement. 25 local government areas. We received 347 of the 400
f. H3: Nigeria's national growth is not significantly copies of the questionnaire given, giving us an 86.75%
impacted by politics. response rate, as indicated in the table below.

Table 1: Distribution of Questionnaire and Response Rate

S/N Local Government Areas Questionnaire Distribution Questionnaire Retrieved Percentage (%)
1 Aniocha North 17 15 4.6
2 Aniocha South 17 15 4.6
3 Bomadi 17 14 4.3
4 Burutu 17 15 4.6
5 Ethiope East 17 15 4.6
6 Ethiope West 17 13 4.0
7 Ika North East 17 13 4.0
8 Ika South 17 15 4.6
9 Isoko North 17 13 4.0
10 Isoko South 17 13 4.0
11 Ndokwa East 17 13 4.0
12 Ndokwa West 17 13 4.0
13 Okpe 17 14 4.3
14 Oshimili North 17 13 4.0
15 Oshimili South 17 13 4.0
16 Patani 17 12 3.6
17 Sapele 17 13 4.0
18 Udu 17 13 4.0
19 Ughelli North 17 14 4.3

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International Journal of Multidisciplinary Education and Research www.multidisciplinaryjournals.in

20 Ughelli South 17 12 3.6

21 Ukwuani 17 14 4.3
22 Uvwie 17 13 4.0
23 Warri North 17 13 4.0
24 Warri South 17 14 4.3
25 Warri South-West 17 13 4.0
Total 425 325 91.64
Source: Researchers’ fieldwork, 2022.

Table 2: Moderated Regression Analysis Showing the Effects of the Independent Variables on the Dependent Variable
Dependent Independent F R R2 Adj- R2 Beta T-Value
Variable variables
National Ethnicity 143.344 .469 .218 .087 -.203 -3.55.4
Development
National Religion 172.053 .625 .099 .093 -.206 -3.421
Development
National Politics 185.026 .452 .034 .028 -.272 -2.874
Development
Source: Field Survey, 2022

According to the findings, contrary to the first hypothesis Regarding the third hypothesis, which claims that politics in
that ethnicity in Nigeria has little bearing on national Nigeria has no discernible impact on national development,
development, there is a positive and statistically significant the findings revealed that a positive and statistically
correlation between the predictor (ethnicity) and the significant correlation exists between the predictor (politics)
response variable, as indicated by the correlation coefficient and the response variable, as indicated by the correlation
of (0.358). (National development). According to the fitted coefficient (0.563). (National development). According to
model's explanation of the R-squared statistic, ethnic the fitted model's explanation of the R-squared statistics,
differences account for 10.9% of the overall variation in the differences in politics account for around 4.3% of the
measure of national progress. With an F-value of 154.233 overall variation in the measure of national development in
and a p-value of 0.000, the ANOVA results for ethnicity as Nigeria. With an F-value of 196.137 and a p-value of 0.000,
a predictor of national development are statistically the ANOVA results for politics as a predictor of national
significant. When the coefficient of determination was development in Nigeria are statistically significant. When
corrected for the degree of freedom,.098 or roughly 9.8% the degree of freedom was taken into account, the
was obtained. This revealed that, after adjusting for degree coefficient of determination produced a result of.037, or
of freedom, ethnicity accounted for about 9.8% of around 3.7%. This revealed that, after adjusting for degree
systematic (change) in national development in Nigeria. The of freedom, politics account for about 3.7% of systematic
Nigerian nation's development decreased by 31.4(%) % for (change) in national development in Nigeria. The Nigerian
every one percent increase in ethnicity, according to the beta nation's development was shown to be negatively impacted
coefficient of -.314. The ethnicity model's t-statistics of - by politics by 28.3%, according to the beta coefficient of -
.4.663 at a p-value (sig) of 0.000, less than 5% level of .283. The model for politics produced a t-statistic of -.2.985
significance, likewise showed a significant link between at a p-value (sig) of 0.000, which is less than 5% level of
ethnicity and national development in Nigeria. The null
significant. This result also revealed a significant
hypothesis is therefore disproved.
association between politics and national development in
According to the findings, there is a positive and statistically
Nigeria. The null hypothesis is therefore disproved.
significant association between religion and national
development in Nigeria, contrary to the second hypothesis,
which holds that religion has no discernible impact on Discussion of the results
national development in Nigeria. According to the fitted According to the study's primary goal, ethnicity has a
model's explanation of the R-squared data, religious considerable and unfavorable impact on Nigeria's national
diversity in Nigeria accounts for around 8.8% of the overall development. The results support the assertions made by
variation in the measure of national development. With an Ebegbulem (2011) [10], Salawu and Hassan (2011), Vande
F-value of 183.064 and a p-value of 0.000, the ANOVA (2012) [37], Iyanga's (2022) [19], and Jiboku and Jiboku (2022)
[20]
results for religion as a predictor of national development in that ethnicity in Nigeria has a significant detrimental
Nigeria are statistically significant. When the coefficient of impact on national development. This is due to the fact that
determination was corrected for the degree of freedom,.082, multi-ethnic states are frequently predisposed to
or roughly 8.2%, was obtained. This showed that after antagonistic and competitive interactions as various
adjusting for degree of freedom, religion in Nigeria communities compete for control of the state's political
contributed for about 8.2% of systemic (change) in national authority and other economic resources.
development. The Nigerian nation's development decreased Second, the findings demonstrated that Nigeria's national
by 30.7(%) % for every one percent increase in religion, development is significantly and negatively impacted by
according to the beta coefficient of -.307. The model for religion. This backs up Ngele (2008) and Ajaegbu (2012) [3]
religion produced t-statistics of -.4.310 at p-value (sig) of 's contention that religion in Nigeria serves as a vehicle for
0.000, which is less than 5% level of significant, and this the commission of violence, fostering ethnic consciousness
further demonstrated that there is a significant association and solidarity, the appropriation of political authority and
between religion and national development in Nigeria. The socioeconomic gains, mass killings and the wanton
null hypothesis is therefore disproved. destruction of lives and property of those deemed heretics or

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International Journal of Multidisciplinary Education and Research www.multidisciplinaryjournals.in

who pledge allegiance to other religions. Additionally, electoral reforms that would allow Nigerians to enjoy the
religious terrorism in Nigeria poses a serious threat to free and fair elections that have eluded the nation for
national development as is demonstrated in Northern decades, the Nigerian government, led by President
Nigeria, where economic and social activities in some of the Muhammadu Buhari, should, in the interest of justice, keep
most volatile states (Yobe and Borno) have nearly come to a their word regarding the upcoming election.
halt due to the constant killings, destruction of the citizens'
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