The political impact of the Nigerian Civil war on the Igbo Nation.

AGU, CHINWENDU ESTHER (2026) The political impact of the Nigerian Civil war on the Igbo Nation. Other thesis, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.

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Abstract

This study analyzed the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) with major emphasis on its political impact on the Igbo nation. The objectives of the study were to examine the political influence of the Nigerian Civil War on the Igbo nation, assess the extent to which the war affected the political representation and participation of the Igbo people in Nigeria, and identify the strategies adopted for post-war recovery, resilience, and political integration. The study was rooted on the Democratic Peace Theory, which emphasizes the cruciality of inclusive governance, political participation, representation, and peaceful conflict resolution in maintaining national stability. The study adopted an ex post facto research design and depended on the documentary method of data collection. Data were obtained from secondary sources, including textbooks, scholarly journals, government publications, historical documents, archival materials, and other relevant literature. The collected data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The findings revealed that the Nigerian Civil War emerged from a combination of political instability, ethnic tension, military coups, anti-Igbo violence, and the failure of constitutional and political negotiations, culminating in the declaration of the Republic of Biafra in 1967. The study further found that the war significantly altered the political participation and position of the Igbo nation within the Nigerian federation. Although post-war policies such as Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation were introduced to promote national unity and political stability, many Igbo people continued to perceive themselves as politically marginalized and excluded matters in relation to representation, access to strategic federal appointments, and participation in national leadership. The study also found that these perceptions have influenced contemporary political attitudes, renewed calls for greater political inclusion, and the emergence of pro-Biafra movements. Despite these challenges, the Igbo nation has remained actively involved in Nigeria's democratic process and has demonstrated remarkable resilience through political participation, entrepreneurship, education, and community development. The study concluded that the political consequences of the Nigerian Civil War continue to influence national integration, ethnic relations, and political discourse in Nigeria. It therefore recommended that the Federal Government strengthen inclusive governance, ensure equitable political representation, promote genuine national reconciliation, and implement policies that foster justice, national unity, and peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups

Item Type:	Thesis (Other)
Subjects:	J Political Science > JA Political science (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Management and Social Sciences
Depositing User:	Uchenna Eneogwe
Date Deposited:	30 Jul 2026 13:38
Last Modified:	30 Jul 2026 13:38
URI:	http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/6094

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