The Dark Side of Zoning: How Nigeria’s Equity Charter Erodes Democracy

Nigeria’s informal zoning system was meant to ensure fairness by rotating key offices across geopolitical zones. Yet events from 2010 to 2023 show it often deepens divisions rather than healing them. When Goodluck Jonathan succeeded Yar’Adua in 2010, the North viewed it as a breach of the zoning pact, fueling post-2011 election violence and the rise of Boko Haram. In 2015, the PDP’s defeat and the APC’s rejection of zoning gave way to fresh regional animosities and allegations of exclusion. The 2023 elections exposed zoning’s contradictions yet again, splitting parties and undermining national coalitions. Beyond presidential races, research reveals how rotation distorts merit-based appointments and misallocates resources, hurting public institutions and development projects. As Nigeria prepares for future polls, this critique argues that relying on rotation over competition empowers ethnic patrons, sacrifices competence, and violates democratic equality. It’s time to rethink zoning and pursue true inclusion through policy and performance.

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