ETHNO-NATIONALISM AND POLITICAL CONFLICT IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF THE 2023 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS BY

Nigeria is significantly diverse with an intricate structure of religion language and ethnicity. In terms of religion, it is primarily divided between Christianity in the south and Islam in the north. Ethnically, Nigeria is home to over 250 ethnic groups, the three dominant tribes are the Hausa Fulani in the north, the Yoruba south-west and the Igbo southeast. Linguistically, Nigeria has over 500 languages with English as the general language spoken by all, striking difference in religion Ethnicity and languages has caused major disparities and conflicts among the major dominant tribes in the country throughout the years which has been ongoing since colonialism. Nigeria’s political landscape has long been characterized by its ethnic diversity and the challenges that come with managing a multi-ethnic federation. While democracy ideally promotes inclusiveness, representation, and national unity, the Nigerian experience has often reflected the opposite, with elections serving as platforms for the expression of ethno-nationalistic sentiments and the entrenchment of ethnic divisions. The 2023 presidential elections brought these issues into sharp focus once again, as political campaigns, voter alignment, and post-election discourse were largely shaped by ethnic and regional identities rather than national ideology or developmental priorities. This paper aims to understand how ethnic and regional alignments influences voters' behavior, electoral outcomes in the 2023 presidential elections as well as the role of cultural grievances in escalating political conflict during and after elections. The study applies a qualitative form of research using secondary sources of data. It also explores strategies for addressing the ongoing ethnic conflict in Nigeria.It contributes to the growing body of scholarship on democracy and conflict in Africa, particularly in post-colonial multi-ethnic states. It also offers insights for policymakers, electoral bodies, civil society organizations, and scholars seeking to understand and respond to the complex interplay between ethnicity, nationalism, and political stability in Nigeria. By drawing attention to the implications of ethno-nationalism in the electoral process, the research advocates for electoral reforms, inclusive political discourse, and civic education aimed at de- emphasizing ethnic divisions in favor of national development and democratic consolidatio