A United States (U.S.)-based lawyer and political advocate, Owolabi Salis, has unveiled a new democratic model aimed at addressing Nigeria’s deepening ethnic, religious and political divisions, warning that rising agitations for secession could threaten national stability if not urgently addressed.

Salis, a three-time gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State, in a policy document titled “Astro-Democracy for Nigeria: The One Nigeria Project,” said that Nigeria must remain united despite its diversity, describing the country as central to the political and socio-economic future of the Black race globally.

According to him, Nigeria’s size and population, ranked among the largest in the world, place a responsibility on the country to serve as a rallying point for people of African descent.

He noted that his over two decades of residence in America and extensive global travels had reinforced his belief that Nigeria represents a critical pillar for Black advancement.

“We have no option than to stay together. The hope for the Black race in political and socio-economic growth rests here in Nigeria,” he stated.

This proposal comes amid growing concerns over separatist agitations and worsening insecurity across different parts of the country.

Salis warned that developments, including reports of some states deporting Nigerians to their regions of origin, reflect a dangerous trend capable of undermining national unity.

He, therefore, called on the Federal Government to immediately intervene and outlaw such practices, stressing that all citizens must be free to live and work in any part of the country without discrimination.

The lawyer, while acknowledging that diversity remains one of Nigeria’s greatest strengths, said that poor management of ethnic and religious differences had fuelled crises ranging from insurgency and banditry to separatist movements and communal conflicts.

He, however, cautioned that Nigeria risks experiencing violent disintegration, such as terrorism, farmer-herder clashes, and regional agitations, if structural issues are not addressed.

Salis, therefore, proposed a novel governance model known as “Equitocracy,” which he also described as a diversity-based democracy.

The system, he explained, would ensure proportional representation and eliminate perceived marginalisation of minority groups.

He said that under the proposed framework, political power would be distributed based on a structured evaluation of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and regional identities, adding that the current presidential system, like the parliamentary system before it, has failed to guarantee fairness and inclusiveness.

He identified several flaws in the existing system, including political domination by majority groups, electoral malpractices, weak internal party democracy, and the marginalisation of minorities.

According to him, these challenges have contributed to widespread distrust in governance and increased political tension.

“The system we operate now creates more crises. The more crises you are able to create and distribute, the more political relevance you enjoy,” he said.

Salis explained that under the equitocracy model, each of the 36 states would nominate candidates, whose acceptance would be determined through a nationwide evaluation process involving all states. The candidate with the broadest national support across states would emerge as president, ensuring inclusiveness and reducing ethnic bias.

He added that the system would also encourage merit-based leadership, eliminate electoral violence, and reduce the influence of incumbency and money politics.

Salis emphasised the need for equity in resource distribution and governance, warning that treating members of any group as second-class citizens could further inflame tensions.

He also called for broad-based coalitions involving past and current political leaders, lawmakers, and local council officials to drive the proposed reforms.

The political advocate, who reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s unity, urged citizens and leaders alike to prioritise national cohesion over sectional interests.

“Nigeria belongs to every Nigerian. We are stronger together, and it is our responsibility to preserve this unity for future generations,” he said.