IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND MANAGEMENT RESEARCH (IJSSMR )

E-ISSN 2545-5303
P-ISSN 2695-2203
VOL. 9 NO. 2 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56201/ijssmr.v9.no2.2023.pg53.67

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Revisiting Zoning in Nigerian Politics

Jason O. Osai Ph.D ,Sam B. Kalagbor Ph.D, Ethel Innocent Amadi Ph.D, Nelson V. C. Okene Ph.D

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Abstract

From 1999 to 2022, ethnic affiliation, religiousity and geo-political zones has been the unofficial pre-election criteria for selecting candidates for the presidential and governorship positions in Nigeria. The selection process created unnecessary tension in the polity. To stem the tide of political volatility, there has been intensification in calls for zoning principal offices between the north and the south, and between the various senatorial zones at the state level. In revisiting the politics surrounding zoning, and the questions about its constitutionality, the paper examines its historical antecedent, as well as Article 72(C), 2009 of People's Democratic Party's Constitution. Adopting Elites theoretical framework, and for methodology, qualitative descriptive data and content analysis was utilized. The paper found that intra-elite rivalries and the 'do or die' politics during the process of selection and election of candidates, has marred the development of democratic ethos in the country. It concluded that due to the above anomalies, democracy has faced some dysfunctionality, giving rise to the quest to zone principal offices. Considering Nigeria's multi-ethnic diversity, the study recommends that before its adoption, the National Assembly should constitutionally spell out the modalities for its operation, as it stands out to be a more peaceful means for achieving equity and inclusiveness in governance.

keywords:

Zoning; Rotational ; Presidency ; Politics; Elites

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References:

Akinyola, A. A. (1996 ). Rotational Presidency. Ibadan: Spectrum Books Limited.

Amadi, E. I., (1995). National Leadership in Nigeria: A Critique of Rotational Presidency.
Unpublished Project, Department of Political and Administrative Studies, University of
Port Harcourt.

Anucha, D. U. (2010). Constitutional Evolution of Nigeria. The Constituent
Assemblies from 1978-1995. Port Harcourt. Girraffe Konsult,
Channels Television Interview, April 8, 2022, Lagos, Nigeria.

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