In Naija, de question of whether common man dey play tribal politics dey cause a lot of debate. According to some analysts, political parties for Nigeria often function less as platforms for ideological competition and more as tribal fortresses.
Historically, tribal conflicts and political alignments have been a significant part of Nigerian politics. For example, in the 1950s, Ibadan and other parts of the western region were involved in various conflicts that were not necessarily driven by tribal politics but by other factors. However, over time, tribal identities have become more intertwined with political affiliations.
Today, it is common to see that political loyalty often aligns with ethnic and regional identities rather than ideological beliefs. This phenomenon has led to a situation where political parties are seen more as vehicles for ethnic and regional interests rather than as platforms for national development.
The impact of this tribal politics is that it often leads to division and polarization within the country, making it challenging to achieve national unity and progress. It also means that the common man, who is supposed to be the beneficiary of political actions, ends up being caught in the web of tribal and ethnic politics.
Therefore, addressing the issue of tribal politics and ensuring that political parties focus more on national development rather than ethnic interests is crucial for the progress of Nigeria.