FEDERALISM AND SEPARATIST MOVEMENT IN NIGERIA. A STUDY OF IPOB 2015-2024

ABSTRACT Nigeria, a multi-ethnic nation with over 250 ethnic groups, adopted federalism to manage its diversity and promote unity. However, structural imbalances, political marginalization, economic inequities, and historical grievances have undermined this system, fueling separatist agitations. IPOB, rooted in the Igbo ethnic group’s perceived exclusion, has emerged as a significant challenge to Nigeria’s federalism, advocating for Biafran independence through protests, sit-at-home orders, and media campaigns. Therefore, this study examines Nigeria’s federal structure and the rise of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a separatist movement from 2015 to 2024. This research investigates the underlying factors driving IPOB’s resurgence, analyzes the Nigerian government’s militarized and legal responses, and explores the implications of IPOB’s activities on national stability and federal cohesion. Utilizing Ted Robert Gurr’s Relative Deprivation Theory, the study employs a qualitative ex post facto design, drawing data from secondary sources such as textbooks, journals, and official documents. Findings reveal that IPOB’s agitation stems from historical injustices, political exclusion, economic neglect, and ethnic discrimination, exacerbated by the government’s heavy-handed tactics, including the proscription of IPOB as a terrorist organization and the detention of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu. These responses have deepened alienation and radicalized support for secession. The study concludes that Nigeria’s federal system requires restructuring to address regional grievances and promote inclusive governance. Recommendations include constitutional reforms for greater regional autonomy, dialogue with separatist groups, and equitable resource allocation to foster sustainable peace and national unity.