Nigeria is confronting a number of critical political and security challenges that are raising serious questions about its identity and survival as a democratic federal republic.

First, there is a dramatic breakdown in security that has created a climate of disillusion in the state as a protector of citizens. Secondly, there is a breakdown of social cohesion in Nigeria with stress lines emerging at the levels of the family, community and state.

Thirdly, there is a significant rise and expansion Introduction religious, fueled in part by disinformation and hate speech that circulates across traditional and social media.

Fourthly, there is frustration about the country’s political and economic direction, with citizens believing the system is stymied by a reckless political class that is corrupt, self-serving and manipulative.

Finally, Nigeria’s elite consensus on federalism and the federal character principle as a guarantee against group discrimination and marginalization is badly shaken.