Political Zoning, Interreligious Balancing and Socio-political Development in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Nigeria as a democratic nation is facing tremendous challenges as a result of ethnic and religious sentiments. Social dynamics have weakened the development of the institutions necessary for nation building. This study examined the effects of ethnicity and religious balancing on the socio-political and economic development of Nigeria with particular reference to Ebonyi State. The broad objective of this study is to determine how ethnicity, religious affiliation and zoning systems have affected the socio-political development in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The study is anchored on Garson group theory of politics. Also, the study adopted a descriptive survey design and the sample size for the study was 380 respondents. The instrument used for data collection was structured questionnaire and data collected were presented and analysed using simple percentages and frequency tables. The findings revealed that ethnicity, religious affiliation and zoning politics operate in Ebonyi and these have retarded the integration of the State and continued to impede the attainment of socioeconomic development. Based on the findings, the study recommends, among others, that there is a need for purposeful leadership anchored on a vision to place its citizens at the centre of political projects without recourse to ethnic chauvinism.