In the late 1950s, Nigeria stood on the edge of transformation. British colonial rule was drawing to a close, and three dominant political parties emerged, each deeply rooted in ethnic and regional identities:
- The Breaking Point: Biafra and the Lead-Up to War
- Author's Note
- Key Point
- Frequently Asked Questions on Nigeria's Independence
- What was the significance of Biafra’s declaration of independence in 1967?
- How did the 1966 counter-coup change Nigeria’s political landscape?
- What happened during Nigeria's first military coup in 1966?
- What were the main ethnic and regional tensions in Nigeria during the early years of independence?
- What led to Nigeria's independence in 1960 and how was the government structured afterward?
- NCNC (National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons) – Led by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, representing the Eastern Region and predominantly the Igbo people.
- NPC (Northern People’s Congress) – Headed by Sir Ahmadu Bello, dominant in the Hausa-Fulani North.
- Action Group (AG) – Led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, advocating for the Yoruba-speaking Western Region.
The 1959 federal elections produced no clear winner, prompting a coalition between the NPC and NCNC. On October 1, 1960, Nigeria officially gained independence. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became Prime Minister, while Azikiwe served as Governor-General, in a British-style parliamentary system.
Republic Status & Rising Political Tensions
But beneath the surface, tensions simmered.
A controversial 1963 census stirred ethnic rivalries. The Igbo population believed the numbers had been manipulated to give the North an unfair majority in Parliament. Political alliances crumbled, and new coalitions emerged:
- UPGA (United Progressive Grand Alliance) – A partnership between the NCNC and a splinter faction of the AG.
- NNDP (Nigerian National Democratic Party) – Formed by the NPC and Ladoke Akintola’s faction of the AG.
Amid this political unrest, Nigeria found a rare moment of national pride when Nojim Mayegun won the country’s first Olympic medal—a boxing bronze at the 1964 Tokyo Games.
January 1966: Nigeria’s First Military Coup
On January 15, 1966, Nigeria experienced its first major political crisis. A coup, led by mainly Igbo officers, saw the assassination of Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, Premier Ahmadu Bello, Premier Ladoke Akintola, and other top officials. President Azikiwe was abroad at the time.
Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi emerged as Head of State. He promised reform, anti-corruption measures, and a return to civilian governance. However, his Decree No. 34 abolished the federal system in favor of a centralized government—fueling suspicion among non-Igbo groups. Northern leaders were especially alarmed that coup plotters were not prosecuted.
July 1966: Retaliation and the Second Coup
In July 1966, northern officers carried out a counter-coup, assassinating Aguiyi-Ironsi and other Igbo military officials. The military chose Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Gowon, a Christian from the Middle Belt, as Head of State. Although he had no direct role in the coup, Gowon was seen as a neutral figure capable of uniting the fractured nation.
Gowon worked quickly to ease tensions: restoring federalism, freeing political detainees like Obafemi Awolowo, and promising a return to democracy.
The Breaking Point: Biafra and the Lead-Up to War
In 1967, Gowon announced a restructuring of Nigeria—from four regions to twelve states. The move was seen by some as an attempt to weaken Eastern Region autonomy. The Eastern Region’s military governor, Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, rejected the new structure.
On May 30, 1967, Ojukwu declared the independence of the Republic of Biafra—a bold move that would trigger a full-scale civil war and leave a lasting scar on the nation’s history.
Author’s Note
Explore the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), meet the key historical figures, or browse our interactive timeline to trace Nigeria’s journey from colonial rule to crisis.
Key Point
- Emergence of Political Parties and Independence: In the late 1950s, Nigeria’s major political parties each represented different ethnic and regional groups, culminating in independence in 1960 with a parliamentary system led by Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa.
- Tensions and Political Unrest Post-Independence: Following the 1963 census and shifting alliances, Nigeria’s political landscape became increasingly tense, with new coalitions forming amidst growing ethnic rivalries and unrest.
- First Military Coup and Its Aftermath: The 1966 coup, led by Igbo officers, resulted in the assassination of key leaders and the rise of Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, who centralized power, heightening ethnic suspicions.
- Counter-Coup and Leadership Change: A northern counter-coup in July 1966 led to the assassination of Ironsi and the installment of Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Gowon, who aimed to restore federalism and stability.
- Biafra Declaration and Nigerian Civil War: In 1967, Colonel Ojukwu declared Biafra’s independence, leading to a brutal civil war that deeply scarred Nigeria and shaped its subsequent history.
Frequently Asked Questions on Nigeria’s Independence
What was the significance of Biafra’s declaration of independence in 1967?
The declaration of independence by Colonel Ojukwu in Biafra in 1967 marked the start of a brutal civil war. This conflict deeply scarred Nigeria, highlighting ethnic divisions and shaping the country’s political and social future.
How did the 1966 counter-coup change Nigeria’s political landscape?
A northern-led counter-coup in July 1966 resulted in the assassination of Ironsi and other Igbo officials. Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Gowon, a Christian from the Middle Belt, was appointed Head of State to stabilize and unify the nation, working to restore federalism and democratic processes.
What happened during Nigeria’s first military coup in 1966?
On January 15, 1966, a coup led mainly by Igbo officers resulted in the assassination of Nigeria’s top leaders, including Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa and others. Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi became Head of State but centralized power, which caused suspicion among other ethnic groups.
What were the main ethnic and regional tensions in Nigeria during the early years of independence?
Tensions arose from ethnic rivalries, especially after the 1963 census was believed to unfairly favor the North in parliamentary representation. These tensions led to political unrest and the emergence of new alliances and coalitions based on ethnic and regional lines.
What led to Nigeria’s independence in 1960 and how was the government structured afterward?
Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, after coalition negotiations between major political parties. The government adopted a British-style parliamentary system, with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as Prime Minister and Azikiwe serving as Governor-General.
