By the late 1950s, Nigeria was preparing for independence from British colonial rule. Three major political parties emerged, each reflecting regional and ethnic dynamics:
- National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC): Led by Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, primarily representing the Eastern Region and the Igbo people.
- Northern People’s Congress (NPC): Led by Sir Ahmadu Bello, dominant in the Northern Region and representing Hausa-Fulani interests.
- Action Group (AG): Headed by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, advocating for the Yoruba-speaking Western Region.
In the 1959 federal elections, no party secured an outright majority. A coalition between the NPC and NCNC enabled a functioning government. On 1 October 1960, Nigeria officially gained independence, adopting a British-style parliamentary system. Tafawa Balewa became Prime Minister, and Nnamdi Azikiwe was appointed Governor-General.
Emergence of Post-Independence Tensions
Despite national celebration, underlying political and ethnic tensions persisted. A controversial 1962 census stirred disputes, as many in the Eastern Region believed the figures favoured the North, influencing parliamentary representation. Political alliances began to shift:
- United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA): Formed by the NCNC and a faction of the AG.
- Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP): Formed by the NPC and Chief Ladoke Akintola’s faction of the AG in the Western Region.
Amid political uncertainty, Nigeria celebrated a sporting milestone when Nojim Mayegun won the country’s first Olympic medal—a boxing bronze—at the 1964 Tokyo Games.
The First Military Coup – January 1966
On 15 January 1966, a coup led primarily by Igbo military officers resulted in the assassination of Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, Premier Ahmadu Bello, Premier Ladoke Akintola, and other senior leaders. President Azikiwe was abroad at the time.
Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi assumed power as Head of State. He promised reform and anti-corruption measures, but his Decree No. 34, which abolished Nigeria’s federal system in favour of a centralised government, raised suspicion among Northern leaders. The absence of prosecution for coup plotters further deepened ethnic tensions.
Counter-Coup – July 1966
On 29 July 1966, northern officers staged a counter-coup in reaction to the January coup. Ironsi and other Igbo officers were assassinated. The military appointed Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Gowon, a Christian from the Middle Belt, as Head of State. Gowon was seen as a neutral leader capable of restoring stability.
He took immediate steps to calm unrest, restoring federalism, releasing political detainees such as Obafemi Awolowo, and promising a return to democratic governance.
Biafra and the Road to Civil War
In May 1967, the federal government under Gowon reorganised Nigeria from four regions into twelve states, a measure intended to reduce regional dominance. The Eastern Region’s governor, Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, rejected this restructuring.
On 30 May 1967, Ojukwu declared the independence of the Republic of Biafra, triggering the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). The conflict stemmed from a combination of ethnic tensions, political grievances, and economic concerns, leaving a lasting impact on Nigeria’s national identity.
Author’s Note
Nigeria’s early post-independence history illustrates the challenges of nation-building in a diverse society. Ethnic, regional, and political tensions shaped the country’s trajectory, culminating in military coups and civil war. Understanding these events is essential for appreciating Nigeria’s complex political heritage and the efforts to maintain unity amid diversity.
References
Falola, Toyin, and Matthew M. Heaton. A History of Nigeria. Cambridge University Press, 2008.
Akinyemi, A.B. The First Nigerian Republic: Politics, Power and Leadership 1960–1966. Lagos: Longman Nigeria, 1993.
Uwechue, Raph. Africa Who’s Who, 1991 Edition. London: Africa Books Limited.
