BJAR British Journal of Advanced Research BJAR 3153-709X Ivory and Finch Publishers 10.68263/BJAR-JX7HFVV7 BJAR_SEP_26_015 Review Article The Politics of Marginalisation: A Major Challenge of Fourth Republican Nigeria Chinedu Stella Ezea Peace and Conflict Studies, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka stella.ezea@unn.edu.ng Emmanuel Azowue Peace and Conflict Studies, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Kelechi Theresa Ezugwu Peace and Conflict Studies, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 10 10 2026 1 4

This research is a meticulous examination of the marginalisation experiences that are inherent in Nigerian politics, with a particular focus on the marginalisation of the Niger Delta people in the South-South and the Igbos in the South East geopolitical zones. The research revealed that the inhabitants of these regions share marginalisation experiences in a variety of dimensions, which are particularly relevant to the South-South and Nigerian-Biafran civil wars. The analysis employed the theory of Relative Deprivation. The theory posits that individuals are compelled to express their dissatisfaction through conflicts when they perceive that they are being denied specific rights and privileges in comparison to a reference group. This has been the case in Nigerian federalism throughout the Fourth Republic. The study subsequently emphasised the necessity of establishing synergy between the South-South and South East geopolitical zones. Additionally, it suggested a solution that would result in a relatively weak federal government and robust federating units.

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