One of the following reasons is unlikely to necessitate the emergence of a federal system?

Analyze the question: The question asks which factor is unlikely to lead to the emergence of a federal system. So we are looking for the odd one out.

Explain the concept: Federalism is a system where power is shared between a central government and component units (states or regions). Countries usually adopt it when they need to hold together different groups under one government while still allowing each group some self-rule.

Common reasons federalism emerges:

• Cultural/ethnic/religious diversity: groups want to protect their identities (Nigeria's many ethnic groups).
• Geographical factors: a large land area or distance makes it hard to govern everything from one centre.
• Social factors: differences in language, customs, and ways of life push for autonomy.
• Historical and economic factors: the desire for a larger market, shared defence, and colonial administrative arrangements.

Step-by-step solution:

• A. Social factors: These do promote federalism, since different social groups want self-rule within a union.
• B. Geographical factors: These do promote it, because large size or separated regions make a single central authority difficult.
• C. Cultural diversity: This is one of the strongest reasons for federalism.
• D. Political sovereignty: Sovereignty is the supreme power of a state to govern itself, free from outside control. It is a feature of any independent state, whether unitary or federal. It is not a reason that pushes a country toward federalism. In fact, in a federation, sovereignty is shared or divided between the central and regional governments, and this is the result of federalism, not its cause.

Answer: D. Political sovereignty is the factor least likely to necessitate the emergence of a federal system.

Exam tip: When you see "unlikely" or "not" in a question, look for the option that does not fit the pattern. For federalism, remember the cause words diversity, size, history, and economy. Anything that is merely a general attribute of statehood, such as sovereignty, is usually the odd one out.