The paper traces the history of the creation of Benue–Plateau State from the Northern Region of Nigeria as a solution to the disturbing issue of socio-economic marginalization that characterized the First Republic. The new state was a conglomeration of sub-units designed to provide functional competence in the allocation of resources within the federal structure. However, this arrangement, which emerged as an outcome of British colonial rule, also produced contradictions—particularly the challenges that ethnic minorities faced as they struggled for participation and sought equal opportunities within the federation.

The national structure operated on a system where ethnicity served as the primary platform for political competition, making it the rule rather than the exception. This fostered divisive tendencies and polarized the country along ethnic lines. The federal character principle was introduced as a unifying mechanism intended to promote national unity, but in the absence of definitive and universally acceptable guidelines, it failed to guarantee fairness. Instead, it did little to resolve the ongoing struggle among various ethnic groups to secure their share of the “national cake.”

As a result, disparities in development emerged between certain areas, as exemplified by the difference between Jos and Makurdi. Jos, serving as the headquarters of Benue–Plateau State, experienced greater development, while Makurdi remained a peripheral town within the new state. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology, drawing on primary, secondary, and tertiary sources, and integrating a multidisciplinary approach. Findings revealed that, due to political intrigues, Makurdi did not develop as expected under the Gomwalk administration during the Benue–Plateau State era.