Veno Micloth Yongo

Keywords: Geo-politics, federal character, power-sharing, federalism, Nigeria

Abstract

This study focuses on the teething problem of Nigerian federalism,
specifically examining the impact of geo-politics, federal character and
power-sharing on governance within a federal system. The study highlights
the relevance of federalism in addressing diverse societal needs and
managing complex political landscapes. However, challenges such as geo-political tensions, issues of federal character and power imbalances have emerged as significant obstacles to effective federal governance in Nigeria.
Thus, there is the need to understand how these factors influence power
dynamics, resource allocation, inclusivity and cooperation within Nigerian federal structure. The objectives of the study are to analyze the impact of geo-politics on Nigerian federalism, examine the role of federal character in promoting inclusivity and assess the effectiveness of power-sharing mechanisms in mitigating conflicts and fostering cooperation among diverse groups in Nigeria. The research methodology of the study involved the systematic review of literatures which were content analyzed. The theoretical framework combined Federalism Theory and Political Geography Theory to provide a comprehensive understanding of the
dynamics of the study. Findings established that power-sharing
mechanisms are crucial in addressing conflicts and promoting cooperation
among diverse groups within a federal system. The study concludes by highlighting the importance of addressing geo-political tensions,
promoting inclusivity and implementing effective power-sharing
mechanisms to enhance the functioning of Nigerian federal system. The study recommends that there is need for policymakers to prioritize
inclusive decision-making processes, equitable resource allocation and
transparent power-sharing arrangements to strengthen federal governance and promote stability in Nigeria.

Author Biography

Veno Micloth Yongo

Department of International Relations and Strategic Studies, School of Social and Management Sciences, Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola, Nigeria

E-mail: [email protected]

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