Nigeria gained independence on 1 October 1960 and adopted a parliamentary system based on the British Westminster model. In 1963, the country became a republic with Nnamdi Azikiwe as ceremonial president and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as prime minister. Political power was concentrated in three regions: the North, West, and East, each dominated by regionally aligned parties. These parties prioritised regional interests over national unity, creating an inherently fragile political foundation.
Ethno-Regional Politics and Fragmentation
The political landscape of the First Republic was defined by ethno-regional divisions. Parties functioned primarily as regional power bases, leading to intense rivalry and mistrust. The North, with its larger population, dominated parliamentary representation, creating tension with the South. Loyalty to ethnic identity often overshadowed national interest, weakening democratic institutions and fostering resentment among political elites.
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The Western Region Crisis
The Western Region became the epicentre of political instability when the split between Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his deputy Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola within the Action Group escalated into violence, parliamentary disruption, and civil unrest. In 1962, the federal government imposed a state of emergency, appointing a sole administrator to restore order. Awolowo and several associates were later arrested and convicted on treasonable felony charges. This crisis undermined confidence in civilian governance and intensified regional tensions, demonstrating the fragility of Nigeria’s young democracy.
Census Disputes and Election Violence
Population censuses became a source of mistrust as regions feared manipulation to secure political advantage. These disputes influenced federal representation and revenue allocation, further fuelling suspicion among ethnic groups. The 1964 federal elections and the 1965 Western Region elections were marred by irregularities, intimidation, and widespread violence. In the Western Region, unrest escalated into what became known as Operation Wetie, characterised by arson and attacks against political opponents. The elections highlighted the fragility of democratic institutions and the inability to manage political competition peacefully.
Corruption and Administrative Weakness
Corruption was a persistent challenge. Public resources were frequently mismanaged, with appointments and contracts awarded based on loyalty rather than merit. Parliamentary oversight revealed widespread patronage and procurement abuses. These practices weakened governance, eroded public trust, and amplified regional grievances, contributing to the Republic’s instability.
The 1966 Military Coup
Amid escalating political and social instability, a group of young military officers staged a coup on 15 January 1966, bringing the First Republic to an abrupt end. The coup resulted in the deaths of Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, Northern Premier Ahmadu Bello, and Western Premier Samuel Akintola. Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi assumed power, suspended the constitution, banned political parties, and dissolved the federal parliament. The coup was justified as a response to political paralysis, corruption, and violence, marking the beginning of military rule in Nigeria.
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Consequences and Legacy
The collapse of the First Republic had profound and lasting consequences. Civilian governance ended, paving the way for decades of military rule. Ethno-regional divisions were exacerbated, creating mistrust that later contributed to the Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970. Confidence in democratic institutions was severely undermined, shaping Nigeria’s political culture for decades. Governance structures were weakened, and political violence became a recurring feature of Nigerian politics. The First Republic remains a cautionary tale of how political fragmentation, corruption, and weak institutions can derail democracy.
Author’s Note
Nigeria’s First Republic represented the nation’s earliest attempt at parliamentary democracy following independence in 1960. Despite initial optimism, it lasted only six years before collapsing in 1966. The Republic’s failure was driven by entrenched ethno-regional rivalries, contested elections, corruption, and weak institutions. The political crisis culminated in the January 1966 military coup, which ended civilian rule and set Nigeria on a long path of military governance and civil unrest. This narrative presents a clear and verified account of these events, highlighting the lessons for governance, national unity, and the enduring consequences for Nigeria’s political landscape.
References
Political Instability and the Collapse of Nigeria First Republic Government: 1960–1966, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science.
Political Violence in Nigeria’s First Republic, HistoricalNigeria.com.
Corruption and Collapse in Nigeria’s First Republic, HistoricalNigeria.com.
