Nigeria embrace of western democratic model was to mitigate divisions among culturally diverse people that subscribed to different ethnic and religious persuasions. Years down the line, rather than celebrating a unifying political system on the basis of inclusive democratic system, Nigeria endures malignant polarization along ethnic lines. This results in chaotic polarization that leaves inefficient political system in its trail. The resultant ‘identity politics’ plagues democracy, governance and development. Deploying mixed research method, the study explored impact of identity politics on governance and development in Nigeria. Findings revealed that identity politics creates avoidable group wrangling with divisive tendencies that undermine democracy in Nigeria. This ultimately fuel chaotic patronage politics to undermine governance and vitiate development. The study recommends Structural overhaul is to achieve inclusive democracy and governance to drive development.

Keywords: Minority Group, Group-Politics, Identity-Politics, Democracy, Development, Nigeria