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Paper short abstract:

Democratic polarization, fueled by identity politics, media, and governance, threatens Nigeria’s stability. This study explores historical roots, elite exploitation, and media influence on voter behavior and national integration. It examines democratic divisions in a diverse society like Nigeria.

Paper long abstract:

Democracy, often celebrated as the least objectionable system of governance, is increasingly under threat globally, with nations such as the United States, Brazil, India, Poland, Venezuela, Turkey, and Nigeria experiencing growing democratic polarization. Characterized by divisions along ideological, economic, and cultural lines, polarization not only undermines democratic governance but also threatens national stability. In Nigeria, the 1914 amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates marked the birth of a state, yet questions about its unity persist. Even as Nigeria approaches the 25th year of its fourth democratic dispensation in 2025, political tensions rooted in ethnic, religious, and regional identities continue to polarize its democratic space, influencing electoral processes, governance, and national unity.

While democratic polarization is a global phenomenon, its nature and extent vary across contexts. This study investigates the historical roots of cultural fragmentation in Nigeria, tracing its evolution through colonial legacies, post-independence politics, and the rise of identity-based political alignments. It examines how political elites exploit these divisions for electoral gains, often at the expense of cohesion. Additionally, the study applies McCoy's (2019) framework of polarization (politicians, opposition, and national identity and citizenship rights) to analyze the role of media and communication in shaping voter behavior, identity politics, electoral outcomes, trust, and national integration in Nigeria.

This study situates Nigeria’s experience within the broader discourse of global democratic polarization, offering critical insights into the interplay between cultural fragmentation and democracy in a developing nation.