The Western Region crisis of the early 1960s remains one of the most consequential episodes in Nigeria’s political history. At its centre was Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Premier of the Western Region, and the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) he led. What began as an internal party disagreement evolved into a prolonged breakdown of democratic order, marked by disputed authority, electoral conflict, and widespread unrest. The consequences extended beyond regional politics and played a decisive role in the collapse of Nigeria’s First Republic.
Akintola and the Action Group Split
Samuel Ladoke Akintola rose to prominence as one of the leading figures of the Action Group, the dominant political party in the Western Region after independence. Alongside Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Akintola helped establish a party that commanded strong regional loyalty and exercised firm control over the Western Region government.
Differences soon emerged within the party leadership. Awolowo favoured a confrontational opposition role at the federal level and the continuation of extensive social welfare programmes. Akintola preferred a more conciliatory approach, advocating cooperation with the Federal Government, which was controlled by the Northern People’s Congress.
These differences widened steadily and came to a head in 1962.
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The Western Region Crisis of 1962
In 1962, Akintola was accused by the Action Group leadership of anti-party activities and was removed as Premier by a majority in the Western House of Assembly. Proceedings in the Assembly descended into disorder, with physical confrontations among members and protests spreading beyond the chamber.
Violence and instability followed across the Western Region. In response, the Federal Government declared a state of emergency, suspended the regional government, and appointed an administrator to restore order. Although the emergency temporarily suppressed unrest, it deepened political divisions and reshaped the balance of power within the region.
When civilian administration was restored, Akintola returned to office under altered political conditions.
Formation of the Nigerian National Democratic Party
In 1963, Akintola formally broke away from the Action Group and founded the Nigerian National Democratic Party. The NNDP emerged as a new political force in the Western Region but lacked the organisational reach and ideological cohesion that had sustained the Action Group.
To consolidate power, the NNDP entered into alliance with the Northern People’s Congress at the federal level. This partnership became part of the Nigerian National Alliance, which dominated federal politics in the final years of the First Republic.
Within the Western Region, however, the alliance altered perceptions of Akintola’s government. Many viewed the NNDP administration as increasingly reliant on federal support rather than regional consensus.
The 1965 Western Region Election
The most severe challenge to the NNDP government came during the 1965 Western Region parliamentary election. The election took place in a tense political environment marked by rivalry, suspicion, and heightened security presence.
Opposition parties raised objections to the conduct of the election, alleging irregularities in nomination procedures and administrative bias. In several constituencies, NNDP candidates were declared elected without effective contest, further intensifying public dissatisfaction.
The announcement of the election results triggered widespread unrest. Protests escalated into violence, with attacks on property, political offices, and perceived supporters of the government. Law and order deteriorated rapidly, and large parts of the region became unstable.
Loss of Authority and Public Confidence
By late 1965, the NNDP government faced widespread rejection across the Western Region. Authority was increasingly contested, and confidence in electoral institutions, regional administration, and constitutional processes weakened significantly.
The crisis was no longer confined to party rivalry. It reflected a broader breakdown in the relationship between government and governed, where political authority lacked broad acceptance and enforcement relied heavily on security measures rather than public support.
National Consequences
The Western Region crisis contributed to rising political tension across Nigeria. Combined with disputed federal elections and regional mistrust, it reinforced perceptions that civilian political mechanisms were failing.
On 15 January 1966, the military intervened and overthrew the civilian government. Samuel Ladoke Akintola was killed during the coup, bringing an abrupt end to his political career and to the First Republic.
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Legacy of the Western Region Crisis
The period of NNDP rule in the Western Region became closely associated with the erosion of democratic authority in Nigeria’s early post-independence years. The events of the region demonstrated how political conflict, when unresolved through constitutional means, could destabilise both regional and national governance.
Author’s Note
The Western Region crisis illustrates how political legitimacy is shaped by public trust, credible elections, and acceptance of constitutional authority. The experience of Akintola and the NNDP shows how quickly political instability can escalate when these foundations weaken, leaving lasting consequences for national unity and governance.
References
Sklar, R. L., Nigerian Political Parties: Power in an Emergent African Nation, Princeton University Press.
Falola, T. and Heaton, M., A History of Nigeria, Cambridge University Press.
Siollun, M., Oil, Politics and Violence: Nigeria’s Military Coup Culture, Algora Publishing.
