Main Article Content
Abstract
The paper examined politics of Exclusion and Separatist Agitation in Nigeria. The inequities and structural imbalance in the political system of Nigeria have unequivocally reinforced fissiparous tendencies in Nigeria. Thus, Politics of exclusion has characterized the body politics of Nigeria thereby, necessitating separatist agitations. The paper relied on secondary sources of data and frustration- Aggression theory was adopted as the analytical construct. The paper observed that antidemocratic forces as they find expression in social injustice, inequalities, intolerance, partiality, abuse of fundamental human rights and others are at the root of politics of exclusion and separatist agitation in Nigeria. It was also noted in the paper that even within a region, states or communities there are “bottled up” separatist agitations as a result of anti-democratic forces. The paper strongly believes that there a lot to benefit from unity in diversity and that going separate ways is not the best option as there may be separatist agitations within a region, state or community if democratic tenets are not upheld. The paper therefore recommended that not only should democratic institutions be strengthened, but also Nigerians should imbibe and demonstrate democratic culture.