In 1955, Nigeria stood at a significant juncture in its path to independence. The British colonial administration was gradually relinquishing control, yet the nation’s political future remained uncertain. On September 4, 1955, the Sunday Times, a prominent Lagos-based newspaper, published a bold headline: “What Does Nigeria Want?” This marked the beginning of one of the earliest public opinion polls in Nigerian history, inviting citizens to voice their preferences on the nation’s political future.
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The Context of the Sunday Times Poll
By the mid-1950s, Nigeria had undergone significant political developments. The 1954 Lyttleton Constitution introduced a federal system, dividing the country into three regions: the Northern, Western, and Eastern Regions, with Lagos as a separate federal territory. This federal arrangement aimed to balance regional autonomy with a central government. However, it also intensified regional rivalries, as each region sought to assert its identity and influence.
The major political parties of the time reflected these regional dynamics. The Northern People’s Congress (NPC), led by Sir Ahmadu Bello and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, advocated for a loose federation that preserved Northern autonomy. The Action Group (AG), under Chief Obafemi Awolowo, supported a federal system with strong regional governments to reflect Nigeria’s cultural diversity. In contrast, the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), led by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, promoted a stronger central government to unify the nation.
The Sunday Times Poll’s Structure and Public Response
The Sunday Times poll presented Nigerians with three primary options:
- A unitary government with all powers centralized in Lagos.
- A federal system offering varying degrees of autonomy to regions.
- A division of Nigeria into separate states or countries based on ethnic and regional lines.
While the poll’s methodology and sample size were not scientifically documented, its publication ignited widespread debate across the country. The question “What Does Nigeria Want?” resonated deeply with Nigerians, prompting discussions in schools, marketplaces, and political gatherings. It was among the first instances where ordinary citizens were directly invited to reflect on their political future.
Media’s Role in Political Engagement
The Sunday Times, part of the Daily Times group founded in 1926, played a significant role in shaping public discourse. While not as radical as the West African Pilot, a newspaper known for its strong nationalist stance, the Sunday Times was recognized for its engaging social commentary and balanced reporting. The 1955 poll exemplified the newspaper’s editorial independence and its commitment to fostering civic dialogue. By posing a direct question to the public, the Sunday Times demonstrated the power of journalism as a catalyst for political engagement.
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Broader Societal Context
The 1950s were a period of significant transformation in Nigeria. Urbanization accelerated as people moved to cities like Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu, and Kano in search of new opportunities. The expansion of education, particularly through missionary and government schools, nurtured a generation of politically conscious Nigerians. Newspapers became central to the national conversation, informing readers about political developments and providing a platform for public opinion.
Economically, the country was experiencing growth driven by cash crops such as cocoa, groundnuts, and palm oil. This economic expansion, however, also highlighted regional disparities and the need for balanced development. The Sunday Times poll, therefore, was not just a political inquiry but also a reflection of the broader societal changes occurring in Nigeria at the time.
Legacy and Historical Significance of the Sunday Times Poll
The 1955 Sunday Times poll remains a significant event in Nigeria’s political history. It marked an early effort to involve the public in discussions about governance and national identity. The debates it sparked foreshadowed many of the challenges that would later confront independent Nigeria, including issues of ethnic rivalry, regional autonomy, and the balance between unity and diversity.
From a media perspective, the poll demonstrated the essential role of journalism in shaping not just political outcomes but also national consciousness. It highlighted the capacity of the press to engage citizens in meaningful dialogue about their collective future.
The question posed by the Sunday Times in 1955, “What Does Nigeria Want?”, remains as relevant today as it was then. Nigeria continues to grapple with the balance between central authority and regional autonomy, the demand for good governance, and the challenge of national cohesion. The 1955 poll serves as a reminder that democratic engagement and dialogue are not foreign imports but long-standing traditions within Nigerian political life.
Author’s Note
The 1955 Sunday Times poll represents an early milestone in Nigerian political participation and media history. It underscores the importance of civic dialogue in shaping the nation’s development. By revisiting this historical moment, we gain a deeper understanding of how Nigeria’s journey toward self-determination was not just a political struggle but also an intellectual and moral awakening.
References:
National Library of Nigeria, Lagos Microfilm Collection.
Historical Nigerian Press Archives.
Mid-20th-century Nigerian Journalism Studies.
