Nigeria’s journey from British colonial administration to sovereign nationhood unfolded through deliberate constitutional reforms rather than sudden revolution. Between the early 1950s and 1966, the country experienced regional self government, full independence, republican transition, and finally military intervention. Each stage reshaped the balance of power within the federation and defined the character of the young nation.
The Road to Federalism, Macpherson and Lyttleton Constitutions
After the Second World War, nationalist pressure across Nigeria intensified. Constitutional reform became the mechanism through which political participation expanded.
The Macpherson Constitution of 1951 widened Nigerian representation and strengthened regional legislatures. It introduced a more elaborate federal framework, but it also revealed deep regional political divisions. Parties increasingly reflected regional identities, and debates over the pace of independence exposed sharp disagreements among leaders.
The Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 formally established Nigeria as a federation. Powers were clearly divided between the central government and the regions, Northern, Western, and Eastern. Regional governments gained greater authority over internal matters, laying the structural foundation for self government and eventual independence.
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Regional Self Government, 1957 to 1959
Regional autonomy emerged in stages. On 8 August 1957, the Western and Eastern Regions attained internal self government. They gained control over domestic policy areas such as education, health, agriculture, and local administration. Britain retained authority over defence, foreign affairs, and key financial matters.
The Northern Region did not adopt self government simultaneously. After further constitutional negotiations and political deliberation, the North attained internal self government on 15 March 1959. This staggered development shaped Nigeria’s independence negotiations and reinforced the importance of federal safeguards.
Regional leaders dominated their political landscapes. In the North, Sir Ahmadu Bello led the Northern People’s Congress, while Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became Prime Minister at the federal level. In the West, Chief Obafemi Awolowo led the Action Group. In the East, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe remained a central nationalist figure. Their leadership strengthened regional structures but also intensified competition for control of the federal centre.
Independence, 1 October 1960
Nigeria became independent on 1 October 1960. The new state adopted a parliamentary system based on the Westminster model. Executive authority rested with the Prime Minister and Cabinet, drawn from an elected federal parliament.
At independence, Nigeria remained a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth. Queen Elizabeth II served as ceremonial Head of State, represented locally by a Governor General. Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe became Governor General, while Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa served as Prime Minister.
The federal structure remained intact, with substantial regional autonomy preserved. Independence marked the transfer of sovereignty but retained institutional continuity in governance.
The 1963 Republican Constitution
On 1 October 1963, Nigeria became a republic. The new constitution replaced the British monarch with a Nigerian President as ceremonial Head of State. Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe became the first President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while Tafawa Balewa continued as Prime Minister.
The parliamentary structure remained unchanged. Executive authority stayed with the Prime Minister and Cabinet, while the President performed largely ceremonial duties. Nigeria remained a member of the Commonwealth.
In 1963, the Mid Western Region was created from parts of the Western Region, increasing the number of regions from three to four. This adjustment addressed minority demands but added complexity to federal political calculations.
Political Crisis and Institutional Breakdown
By the early 1960s, political tensions intensified. Census controversies in 1962 and 1963 generated disputes over population figures and representation. Electoral crises, particularly the 1964 federal elections and unrest in the Western Region in 1965, weakened confidence in civilian rule.
Allegations of manipulation, intimidation, and regional bias deepened mistrust among political actors. The federal system struggled to contain escalating instability.
The January 15, 1966 Coup
On 15 January 1966, a group of young army officers staged a coup. Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, Northern Premier Ahmadu Bello, Western Premier Samuel Akintola, and other senior officials were killed. The coup disrupted civilian authority and created a national crisis.
Major General Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi, the most senior army officer at the time, moved to restore order and assumed leadership of the country. The constitution was suspended, federal parliament dissolved, and political parties banned. Military rule replaced the First Republic.
Decree No. 34 and the Unitary Experiment
On 24 May 1966, Ironsi promulgated Decree No. 34, known as the Unification Decree. The decree replaced the federal structure with a unitary system, centralising authority and restructuring the civil service.
The measure altered the constitutional balance between the centre and the regions. Political tensions intensified as regional autonomy was significantly reduced.
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The July 29, 1966 Counter Coup and Gowon’s Emergence
On 29 July 1966, Northern officers carried out a counter coup. Ironsi was killed, along with Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi. The country faced renewed uncertainty within the military hierarchy.
Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Gowon emerged as Head of State in August 1966. Nigeria remained under military rule, and regional tensions deepened. The constitutional era of the First Republic had come to an end, replaced by military governance and escalating national crisis.
The events of 1966 marked a decisive turning point in Nigeria’s political development, ending parliamentary democracy and reshaping the federation’s trajectory.
Author’s Note
Nigeria’s early constitutional journey moved carefully from regional self government to independence and republican sovereignty. Yet the same federal design that balanced regional diversity also intensified political competition. When electoral disputes and regional crises eroded trust in constitutional processes, military intervention replaced parliamentary rule, transforming the nation’s political direction for decades to come.
References
Toyin Falola and Matthew M. Heaton, A History of Nigeria, Cambridge University Press, 2008.
Richard L. Sklar, Nigerian Political Parties, Power in an Emergent African Nation, Princeton University Press, 1963.
Max Siollun, Oil, Politics and Violence, Nigeria’s Military Coup Culture, 1966 to 1976, Algora Publishing, 2009.
Tekena N. Tamuno, Nigeria and Elective Representation, 1923 to 1947, Heinemann, 1966.
