Nigeria’s First Republic, from 1960 to 1966, emerged with high expectations but operated within a political environment shaped by strong regional loyalties and inherited colonial structures. Independence transferred authority to Nigerian leaders, yet competition among regions quickly defined national politics. Power struggles, electoral disputes and institutional weakness increasingly dominated public life and influenced the direction of the young nation.
Independence and the Federal Structure
On 1 October 1960, Nigeria became an independent state under a federal parliamentary system. The federation initially consisted of three regions: the Northern Region, the Western Region and the Eastern Region. In 1963, the Mid Western Region was created to address minority concerns and regional agitation.
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Federalism granted extensive autonomy to the regions, allowing them to control major aspects of governance, including education, finance and internal administration. While intended to manage diversity, this arrangement reinforced regional political power and encouraged competition rather than cooperation at the federal level.
Regional Dominance and Political Parties
Political parties reflected regional influence and ethnic alignment.
The Northern Region was dominated by the Northern People’s Congress, which drew support mainly from the Hausa Fulani political elite and traditional institutions.
The Western Region was controlled by the Action Group under Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose policies focused on education, social welfare and economic development.
The Eastern Region was led by the National Council of Nigerian Citizens, with strong backing among the Igbo population and influence in commerce and the civil service.
Although these parties operated nationally, their support bases remained regional, shaping political competition and decision making.
Federal Politics and Political Rivalry
The 1959 federal elections produced no clear majority. A coalition government was formed between the Northern People’s Congress and the National Council of Nigerian Citizens, leaving the Action Group as the main opposition.
Relations within the coalition were strained. Disputes over federal appointments, revenue allocation and policy priorities were common. Political rivalry often took precedence over national consensus, and the federal government became an arena for advancing regional interests.
The Action Group Crisis
Internal divisions within the Action Group destabilised the Western Region in the early 1960s. A leadership struggle split the party and paralysed governance. Political violence escalated, leading to federal intervention and the declaration of a state of emergency.
This period marked a significant decline in political order and public confidence, as democratic institutions struggled to manage internal party conflict and regional tension.
Elections, Violence and Loss of Confidence
The 1964 federal elections and the 1965 Western Region elections were widely disputed. Allegations of intimidation, manipulation and violence undermined public trust in the electoral process.
In the Western Region, political violence intensified. Arson, street clashes and assassinations became common during a period known as Operation Wetie. Similar grievances over census figures, corruption and regional imbalance spread across the federation, further weakening confidence in civilian governance.
The Collapse of Civilian Rule
By the mid 1960s, political instability, insecurity and legislative paralysis defined national life. On 15 January 1966, a group of junior army officers carried out Nigeria’s first military coup. Several senior political and military figures were killed, and the civilian government collapsed.
Major General Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi assumed leadership of the country, bringing the First Republic to an end. The pattern of killings during the coup deepened regional suspicion and reshaped Nigeria’s political direction.
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Historical Significance
The fall of the First Republic marked the beginning of prolonged military involvement in Nigerian politics. The challenges of regional rivalry, fragile institutions and contested elections continued to influence national affairs long after civilian rule ended.
Author’s Note
Nigeria’s First Republic reveals how regional dominance, political rivalry and unresolved tensions can undermine democratic governance. The period shows the consequences of weak institutions, disputed elections and the absence of sustained political compromise. These early years remain central to understanding Nigeria’s later political struggles and transitions.
References
- Siollun, Max. Oil, Politics and Violence: Nigeria’s Military Coup Culture.
- Falola, Toyin and Heaton, Matthew. A History of Nigeria.
- Sklar, Richard L. Nigerian Political Parties: Power in an Emergent African Nation.
