Identity Politics, Indigene-Settler Dynamics and their Implications for Democracy in Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

This thesis examines the politics of identity construction in contemporary Jos, Nigeria, over a 30-year period (1991-2021). It focuses on the narratives surrounding the Jos City conflict, which primarily revolve around identity issues. While previous literature mainly explores the conflict along ethnic, religious, and ethnoreligious lines, recent discussions have shifted towards the indigene-settler divide. In navigating resource distribution, groups strategically adopt identities to access influence, resulting in the construction and reconstruction of identities. The macro-level conflict involves the Hausa-Fulani against the Berom, Anaguta, and Afizere, while micro-level dynamics emerge among indigenous groups, centring on territory, government participation, and leadership. Identity choices often exploit minority sentiments and target the scope of support and acceptability, drawing attention to discrimination in exclusionary indigeneity politics. Histories of internal migration significantly contribute to the Jos City conflict, with spillover effects in other parts of Nigeria, impacting democracy and democratization processes. To address the conflict's root causes, the government has established panels and commissions. Through qualitative methods and case studies involving 63 participants, this study highlights historical narratives of migration, inheritance, place claims, and place naming. These claims fuel the prominence of identity politics in daily discourse. The thesis provides empirical contributions to our understanding of Jos' politics, filling a significant knowledge gap.