Nigeria’s political history in the late twentieth century alternated between military rule and civilian governance. Some transitions were completed, others were interrupted, and some were derailed by coups. This article presents a clear, verified narrative of Nigeria’s power transfers from military to civilian rule and the key events that shaped the country’s democratic path.
The 1979 Handover to Civilian Rule
After years of military governance, General Olusegun Obasanjo honoured a timetable to return Nigeria to civilian government. In 1979, the country adopted a new constitution and held elections. Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria won the election and was sworn in as president on 1 October 1979, marking the start of the Second Republic and Nigeria’s return to civilian rule.
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The Collapse of the Second Republic (1983)
The Second Republic ended on 31 December 1983, when President Shagari’s government was overthrown by Major General Muhammadu Buhari. This coup returned the country to direct military control, ending the short period of democratic governance.
Babangida’s Transition Programme and the 1993 Election
General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida announced a transition programme that included the creation of two political parties and elections at multiple levels. On 12 June 1993, presidential elections were held. The unofficial results indicated that Chief MKO Abiola had won a clear majority. Before the results were officially announced, Babangida annulled the election, sparking widespread protests and political unrest.
Interim Government and Abacha Coup (1993)
After the annulment, Babangida resigned on 26 August 1993, and an Interim National Government (ING) under Chief Ernest Shonekan was formed on 27 August 1993. The ING lasted only a few months. On 17 November 1993, General Sani Abacha seized power in a bloodless coup, ending the interim government and returning the country to full military rule.
Abacha’s Military Rule (1993–1998)
Abacha’s regime was characterised by strict military control and suppression of political activity. Transition programmes were announced but never allowed genuine civilian participation. Abacha remained in power until his death on 8 June 1998.
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Abubakar and the 1999 Transition
Following Abacha’s death, General Abdulsalami Abubakar initiated a transition back to civilian government. Elections were held between December 1998 and February 1999, and Olusegun Obasanjo won the presidential election under the People’s Democratic Party. He was inaugurated on 29 May 1999, marking the start of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
Nigeria’s political history shows both completed and interrupted transitions. The 1979 and 1999 handovers restored civilian rule, while the 1983 coup and 1993 annulled election highlight the challenges faced in establishing stable democracy. These events shaped Nigeria’s democratic institutions and continue to influence political governance today.
Author’s Note
This article presents a clear and factual narrative of Nigeria’s transitions from military to civilian rule between 1979 and 1999. Readers should note that while military regimes frequently announced transitions, only two resulted in enduring civilian governance in 1979 and 1999. Interruptions and annulled elections highlight the challenges Nigeria faced in achieving stable democracy and emphasise the importance of constitutional legitimacy and electoral integrity.
References
Nigeria – Military Regimes, 1983–99.
Council on Foreign Relations. Abacha, Abiola, and Nigeria’s 1999 Transition to Civilian Rule.
EBSCO Research Starters. Democracy Returns to Nigeria.
