Nnamdi Azikiwe Journal of Political Science

African Back-Up Militiamen in the Russia Ukraine War: Between Legends and Realities.

2026-01-13T12:44:43-08:00

The outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, on 24 February 2022, caused an influx of foreigners – to the frontline – willing or forced to fight alongside one side or the other. These include an unknown number of African nationals whose role and fate seem to be of little interest to international opinion. In a conflict marked by propaganda and misinformation, this indifference contributes to the speculation on African back-up militiamen. This article therefore aims at highlighting the commitment of these fighters, by dissociating legend from reality. From a methodological perspective, our study draws on both scientific bibliographical references and various media sources (newspapers, podcasts). While some sources claim that thousands of people have expressed the desire to go to the front, consistent accounts tend to limit the number of African fighters to a few dozen in each camp, for most students or economic migrants recruited locally, including in prisons. It also appears that the motivations expressed by these “volunteers” stem from a mixture of vague idealism (defence of the host country) and real opportunism (gain, obtaining a passport, naturalization). Their military contribution seems to be reduced to risky tasks to inexperienced fighters, making them a veritable “cannon fodder”.

Rethinking Migration and Development: The Socioeconomic Implications of Post-Brexit UK Immigration Policies for Nigeria

2026-01-13T12:51:22-08:00

Migration has long shaped Nigeria’s relations with the international community, influenced by colonial history, economic ties, and global mobility. The United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union (Brexit) restructured its immigration system, prioritising skilled labour in sectors such as healthcare and education. For Nigeria’s young and mobile population, these reforms present both opportunities and challenges. This study, therefore, investigates the effects of post-Brexit UK immigration reforms on Nigerian migration and development. Using a qualitative case study approach, it draws on interviews with Nigerians in the UK and policymakers in Nigeria, selected through purposive sampling, alongside secondary data analysed thematically. Findings indicate that while the new system has opened legal pathways for skilled migration, promoted remittances, and encouraged diaspora participation, it has also exacerbated brain drain and reduced local capacity in key sectors, including health, IT, and education in Nigeria. The study highlights that while Nigerian migrants play an important role through remittances, the benefits are unevenly distributed. The study recommends that Nigeria invest in key sectors to address push factors and negotiate development-oriented migration agreements, while the UK should promote development-focused migration policies that balance its domestic needs with partnership goals.

The Dynamism of Law in African Politics: Reflections on Nigeria’s Electoral Irregularities and Adjudication, 2019 – 2023

2026-01-13T13:09:25-08:00

This paper investigated the widely acclaimed norm which posits law and justice as the oil that lubricates the locomotives of political economy in a democratic society using Nigeria’s electoral irregularities and adjudication as focal point. The paper utilized Social Structuralism theory and Marxian scholarship as a framework and collated data from secondary sources and historical content method for analysis. The paper finds that Africa and particularly Nigeria’s electoral irregularities and adjudication reflect the dynamism of law in politics as they duo are organically and intricately linked. Also, the paper argues that election is central to the civilization of a society and germane to the rule of law as manipulation of electoral process produces government that tantamount the principles of constitutionalism. Based on the research findings three recommendations were put forward among which is the urgent need for Nigerian nay African states to reconstitute their governance model to reflect the practicality of contemporary African political economy.

Nigeria’s Foreign Policy, South-South Cooperation, and Dynamics of Observer Status in the BRICS

2026-01-13T14:14:07-08:00

Nigeria’s longstanding role as a supporter of the Global South is increasingly challenged by shifting geopolitical alliances. This paper examines how Nigerian foreign policy engages with South–South cooperation through its observer status in BRICS, a group that is increasingly seen as a counterbalance to Western-led institutions. The study employs complementary theories of South–South cooperation and neoclassical realism as its theoretical framework. Adopting a qualitative approach, the research reviews secondary data sources such as journal articles, books, newspapers, and policy documents to investigate the political motives, economic objectives, and strategic trade-offs that characterize Nigeria’s engagement with BRICS. The analysis argues that while observer status confers symbolic prestige and presents potential opportunities for investment, trade diversification, and diplomatic influence, these advantages will largely remain unrealized without deliberate policy alignment and stronger bilateral relationships with BRICS members. The findings highlight the delicate balance Nigeria must strike between ambition and practicality, revealing both the opportunities and challenges of navigating a multipolar world from the perspective of the Global South.

The Politics of Soft Power, Public Diplomacy and Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria

2026-01-13T14:48:45-08:00

This paper examines the nexus between foreign aid as an instrument of soft power and diplomatic relations, focusing on their implications for poverty alleviation in Nigeria. Drawing on Joseph Nye’s theory of soft power and supported by secondary data, the study argues that foreign aid serves a dual purpose: as a mechanism for economic development and as a strategic tool for influence through which donor nations pursue diplomatic and geopolitical objectives. The analysis highlights how countries such as the United States, China, and members of the European Union employ aid to shape Nigeria’s policy orientation, governance practices, and global alignments. Findings reveal that although foreign aid has contributed to key sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure, its effectiveness in reducing poverty remains constrained by weak institutional frameworks, policy misalignment, and donor-driven conditionalities. The paper concludes that integrating soft power diplomacy with Nigeria’s national development priorities and enhancing transparency, ownership, and accountability in aid management are essential for achieving sustainable poverty alleviation.