The strained relationship between the Yoruba and Fulani political blocs has once again come under scrutiny, especially with the ongoing rift between former President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) and incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT). This feud has exposed the inherent fragility and competing interests that underpin political alliances between these two dominant ethnic groups.
Historically, the political dynamic between the Yorubas and Fulanis has been shaped by mutual suspicion and divergent aspirations. The Fulanis have often been perceived as prioritizing leadership and central domination, while the Yorubas, though equally ambitious in leadership, also strive for a broader share of influence in governance and socio-economic control. This dual quest for dominance makes their partnership a tenuous and often short-lived arrangement.
Contrasts in Political Philosophy
The Fulani elite have traditionally sought to maintain political control, often viewing leadership as a means to uphold regional interests and ensure the perpetuation of northern hegemony. On the other hand, the Yoruba political establishment, while equally ambitious, approaches leadership with a blend of pragmatism and a desire for economic influence, seeking both power and a broader control over critical sectors.
For the Igbo (Ndigbo), however, the situation is markedly different. As an entrepreneurial and business-oriented group, their focus historically leans toward economic independence and prosperity. Leadership is often seen as secondary to creating opportunities for wealth and innovation. This divergence in priorities has meant that while Yorubas and Fulanis often clash over political dominance, the Igbo are frequently sidelined in the broader power struggle, content to focus on business and trade—so long as they are allowed the freedom to thrive.
The Buhari-Tinubu Rift: A Delayed Fallout
The current feud between Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu, representing the Fulani and Yoruba blocs respectively, was arguably inevitable. The cracks in their alliance, forged during the 2015 and 2019 elections under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have widened as Tinubu consolidates power. What initially appeared to be a calculated partnership has devolved into a fierce contest for control and influence.
Buhari’s camp, predominantly Fulani, is reportedly discontented with Tinubu’s policies, which they perceive as marginalizing the North and favoring the South-West. Tinubu, for his part, has worked to solidify his power base in the South-West, appointing key allies to strategic positions and sidelining northern interests in several critical areas. This escalating power tussle, though long delayed, was perhaps unavoidable given the inherent ideological and regional differences between the two camps.
A Glimmer of Hope Amid the Chaos
While the ongoing feud might seem like yet another episode in Nigeria’s cycle of ethnic and political conflicts, it also presents an opportunity for national recalibration. The cracks in the Yoruba-Fulani alliance could pave the way for a more inclusive political structure, where marginalized groups like the Ndigbo and other minority ethnicities can assert themselves in the national conversation.
This moment of crisis could serve as the crucible from which a new Nigeria emerges—one that is less dominated by the zero-sum game of ethnic politics and more focused on creating a fair and equitable society. The need for leadership that transcends ethnic loyalties has never been more urgent, as the country faces mounting economic, security, and social challenges.
The Path Forward
The question of whether political alliances between Yorubas and Fulanis can ever truly work lies not in their historical differences but in their ability to prioritize national interests over ethnic domination. The current feud underscores the fragility of alliances built on convenience rather than shared values. For a truly united Nigeria to emerge, political leaders must recognize that domination—whether by the Fulani, Yoruba, or any other group—will always be a recipe for discord.
Allowing the Igbo and other ethnicities the freedom to thrive economically and politically, without undue interference or exclusion, could be the starting point for a more balanced Nigeria. As the dust settles from this ongoing fracas, the hope is that the lessons learned will push the country toward a more equitable and sustainable political framework.
Indeed, a new Nigeria might just rise from the ashes of this feud—one that acknowledges its diversity as a strength and not a weakness. The journey to that future, however, requires genuine dialogue, mutual respect, and a commitment to the principles of fairness and inclusivity.
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