Between Unity & Self-Rule: Examining The Northern Paradox
The Politics of Autonomy in Northern Nigeria
DEBATES over autonomy, federalism, and national unity have once again moved to the centre of Nigeria’s political discourse. Recent commentaries and public arguments have spotlighted what some analysts describe as a contradiction in the posture of the “core North” — a loosely defined political bloc in Northern Nigeria — regarding self-rule and separatist agitation.
For decades, political actors in parts of Northern Nigeria have expressed concerns about cultural preservation, religious autonomy, and resistance to perceived domination by other regions. These sentiments have shaped voting patterns, constitutional debates, and federal power negotiations since independence in 1960.
Yet tensions emerge when similar autonomy or separatist calls arise from other regions — including the South East, South South, Middle Belt, and parts of the South West. Critics argue that resistance to such calls exposes an inconsistency: if autonomy is desirable for one region, why is it unacceptable for another?
Historical Roots of Regional Anxiety
Nigeria’s political structure has long reflected a delicate balance among regions forged during colonial amalgamation in 1914. Post-independence constitutional arrangements sought to manage diversity through federalism, but the civil war (1967–1970) fundamentally altered the national conversation around secession and unity.
Movements such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South East and various Niger Delta advocacy groups have framed their demands around self-determination, resource control, and security. Meanwhile, political elites in Northern Nigeria have frequently emphasised the need to protect Islamic identity, traditional institutions, and demographic influence within a united Nigeria.
Political scientists note that these positions are not necessarily mutually exclusive. “Every region expresses autonomy in ways that reflect its historical experiences,” said one Abuja-based governance analyst. “The tension arises when autonomy for one group is seen as fragmentation when demanded by another.”
The Question of Reciprocity
Central to the debate is the principle of reciprocity. Advocates of restructuring argue that a consistent application of federal principles would allow all regions greater control over resources, policing, and governance structures.
The Hausa proverb often cited in recent discussions — “Idan ba ka son a mulke ka, me ya sa ba ka yarda wasu su zaɓi kansu ba?” (“If you don’t want to be ruled, why don’t you allow others to choose for themselves?”) — captures the philosophical core of the argument.
However, defenders of Nigeria’s territorial integrity caution against equating calls for autonomy with outright secession. Many Northern political leaders publicly support a unified Nigeria while advocating internal reforms rather than disintegration.
Unity Versus Self-Determination
The broader issue reflects an unresolved national dilemma: how to reconcile voluntary unity with demands for regional self-governance. Comparative political history suggests that federations endure when constituent units feel secure, represented, and fairly treated.
In Nigeria’s case, distrust among regions has often been exacerbated by uneven development, security crises, and disputes over resource allocation. Analysts argue that without equitable governance, agitation — whether from North or South — will persist.
The Path Forward
Observers suggest that the current discourse underscores the need for a constitutional conversation rooted in fairness and mutual respect. Rather than framing autonomy demands as threats, some experts propose structured dialogue on devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, and regional security frameworks.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s unity may depend less on rhetorical positions and more on institutional reforms that guarantee equality among its diverse populations. Whether autonomy is pursued within or outside existing constitutional boundaries, consistency in principle remains central to building trust across regions.
