Political Exclusion and the Quest for Self-Determination in Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

The Igbo, one of Nigeria’s major ethnic groups have long experienced marginalisation and perceived exclusion from national political leadership. The research adopted the phenomenological research design with data collected from secondary sources via a systematic literature review. The data gathered were analysed, utilizing thematic analysis. Using the relative deprivation theory, this study explores the historical backdrop, socio-political dynamics, and key factors underlying the Igbo people’s perceived political exclusion. The study investigates the motivating factors driving the Igbo people’s quest for self-determination and digs into the techniques used by Igbo socio-political parties such as MASSOB (Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra) and IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra) to achieve self-determination ranging from peaceful rallies to separatist movements. The study also looks at how the Nigerian government and other stakeholders responded to these demands. Among other things, the study revealed that ethnic sentiment is a problem in Nigeria, and adding to the growing literature on political exclusion and self-determination, the study provides a deeper knowledge of challenges faced by the Igbo and potential paths (nonviolence, dialogue and inclusivity) for addressing their concerns within the Nigerian political structure.