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Ss3 Govt Lesson

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Ss3 Govt Lesson

grade 12 lesson notes

Uploaded by

chillemma15
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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SS3 GOVT LESSON NOTE FIRST TERM

SCHEME OF WORK.

1. Colonial Administration:

- French policy of assimilation

-Advantages and disadvantages of colonial rule.

-Comparison of British and French Colonial policies of administration.

2. Nationalism:

- Meaning of Nationalism.

- Factors that led to the rise and growth of nationalism in Nigeria.

3-4. Constitutional Development in Nigeria:

- Pre-independence constitution and their main features.

- Independence and post- independence constitution and their main features

- common features in past and present constitution

5-6. The 1999 Nigerian Constitution:

- Origin and features of the 1999 constitution.

- Strengths and weaknesses of the 1999 constitution.

- Procedure for constitution review. (d) Parts of the 1999 constitution needing review.

- Process of law making in the States and National Assemblies.

7 .Federalism:

- Origin of Federalism in Nigeria:


- Emergence of Federalism in Nigeria.

- Factors that necessitated the formation of federalism.

- Conference organized by the colonial powers.

8. Nature and Structure of Nigerian Federalism:

- Structure of Nigerian Federalism;

- Federalism before independence,

-1960 – 1966,

- 1967 – 1975.

-1976 to date.

-Features of Nigerian Federalism.

9. Federalism

- Problems of Nigerian Federalism

- The need for revenue allocation in a Federal State

- Revenue allocation formula in Nigeria. - Conflicts over each adopted revenue allocation formula

-Minority Issues and the Creation of States:

-The major and minor ethnic groups in Nigeria

-Reasons for the demand for more States

-Complexity and endless nature of State Creation.

10. Federalism

- Inter-Ethnic Rivalry and Issues of Secession:

- The nature of ethnic conflicts or rivalry in Nigeria

- Problems of secession in Nigeria.

-Measures to avoid secession in Nigeria.


11. Revision

12. Examination
WEEK 1
SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT
CLASS: SS 2
DATE: ………………….
TOPIC:COLONIAL ADMINISTRATION

FRENCH COLONIAL ADMINISTRATION IN WEST AFRICA

CONTENTS: (a) PRINCIPLES, STRUCTURES, POLICIES, FEATURES AND FACTORS


RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE POLICY OF ASSIMILATION.

(b) Advantages of Colonial rule.

(c) Disadvantages of Colonial rule

(d) Comparison of The Features of British System of Indirect Rule


with that of French Policy of Assimilation

FRENCH COLONIAL ADMINISTRATION IN NIGERIA.


The French colonial administration was a sharp contrast to that of the British. While
the British authorities used indirect rule system while the French authorities used
direct rule system known as the policy of assimilation and later changed to
association. They were in control of the following territories in West Africa- Senegal,
Ivory- coast (Coted’ivore), Dahomey(now Benin republic), Niger, Guinea and Upper
Volta( now Burkina Faso).
France established a loose federation of her colonies with headquarters in Dakar,
Senegal and appointed a governor general resident in Dakar to supervise the activities
of the federation.
PRINCIPLES AND STRUCTURE OF FRENCH COLONIAL
ADMINISTRATION.
1. The governor general: The governor general governed Senegal from Dakar and
exercised authority over the other four colonies each of which had a governor.
The governor general in principle had to consult the colonial minister in France
for decisions on major issues that affect the federation.
2. Existence of provinces: The French colonial government divided each colony
into provinces called circles which varies greatly in size and in population. This
circles were also subdivided into districts or cantons.
3. Division of Senegal into communes: Senegal was divided into four communes of
Saint Louis, Dakar, Rufisque, and Gorge. The inhabitants in these communes
were accorded French citizenship. They were governed according to the laws
made in Paris in France. However, in the other colonial units there were a
number of conditions for French citizenship.
4. The French subjects outside the four communes had no political rights or
representation in the French parliament in Paris.
5. The system of administration which the French adopted under this arrangement
was called the policy of assimilation.
THE POLICY OF ASSIMILATION
The French government first adopted the policy of assimilation in the administration
of their territories in West Africa. Assimilation means attempting to make black
Africans become French ion language and culture that is it was the colonial policy of
the French government to make Africans adopt and use French education, language,
religion, law mode of dressing etc. The policy was made to substitute the African way
of life formally and informally. It was imposed on the Africans as a result of the
French government’s belief that African culture was inferior and theirs being superior
should be embraced by the people in their colonies.
The policy of assimilation regarded the French colonial territories as part of the
extended French empire overseas and these territories were placed under the control
of the French government in Paris.
FEATURES OF THE FRENCH POLICY OF ASSIMILATION IN WEST
AFRICA
1. Direct rule: The policy of assimilation was a direct system of administration
supervised and coordinated by the resident governor general in Dakar. France
provided revenue for the provision of infrastructure and social amenities in her
African territories.
2. Unification of French colonies: The policy brought all French colonies
together under an umbrella called French federation with headquarters in
Dakar, Senegal under a governor general from Paris.
3. Superiority of French culture: The policy of assimilation was based on the
belief that French culture was superior to other cultures, and the African
culture must be substituted with French culture.
4. French citizenship status on Africans: The policy accorded African people
French citizenship status, and this provided Africans equal legal opportunities
and privileges with their French counterparts.
5. Absorption into the French political system: Since many Africans enjoyed full
citizenship rights they were absorbed into the French political system. For
instance, Blaise Diagne became the first African to be elected into the French
National Assembly in 1914.
6. Limitation of traditional rulers power: The powers of the traditional rulers
were reduced and the French officials approved policies and appointment for
them.

Factors Responsible for the Failure of the Policy of Assimilation

The policy of assimilation failed and was abandoned by France as a result of the
following:

1. The policy of assimilation introduced direct administration which required


heavy financial commitment from the central government in France. Many
French citizens criticized the policy of spending tax-payers' money in foreign
colonies at the expense of the French people.

2. The policy failed because it was rigid and discriminatory in its application to the
people in the interior and those in the communes of Senegal. While the people
in the interior were required to renounce their culture before they could be
granted French citizenship, the people in the communes were granted auto-
matic French citizenship status from birth.

3. The preference of the African people for their culture and way of life made it
impossible for them to drop their culture for that of the French, and likewise did
they reject the whole policy of assimilation.

4. With the reduction in their powers and scope of activities, the traditional
leaders secretly undermined the effectiveness of the policy in their areas.

5. French and African scholars criticized the adoption of assimilation as a


policy that never meant good for the people of the West African sub-
region. They rejected the policy on grounds of racism, where the French
government regarded African culture as primitive and French culture as
civilized and superior.

6. The type of education introduced contributed to the failure of the hat afforded
of assimilation. The missionaries introduced the educational system to
Christianity rather than providing them the opportunity of winning converts
qualitative education for the socio-economic development of the people. The
Muslims rejected this type of education for fear of being converted to
Christianity.

7. The implementation of the indigenization policy, which included imprisonment without


trial and forced labour, accounted for the failure of the policy.

8. The Second World War was also responsible for the failure. Colonialists were
advised to relinquish their colonies, more so as the Africans who participated in
the war no longer felt that the white men were superior as they previously
assumed. Furthermore, the United Nations advocated the self-determination of
people under colonial rule.

9. President Charles De Gaule was determined to replace assimilation


with association, as a result of the opposition of the African people.

THE POLICY OF ASSOCIATION

Following the weakness and failure of the policy of assimilation, France conceived
the idea of the policy of association to replace assimilation. Association was the
policy by which Africans associated with France in the political and economic realms,
not as Frenchified Africans, but as a people with their own distinct culture and
traditions. It was the French form of indirect rule.

The policy of association preserved the culture, religion, customs and political units
of the various colonies. It accorded traditional rulers necessary regard in th e affairs of
the colonial government.

Reasons for the Introduction of the Policy of Association in French West Africa

1. The level of nationalist activities in West Africa increased after the Second
World War and this forced France to abandon the policy of assimilation.

2. The rise of President De Gaule to power and the determination of his


administration to replace assimilation with association.

3. The policy of assimilation was costly to administer because it was a direc t


administration which required large sum of money.

4. Those that benefited from the system (elites) later on turned round to
criticize it.
Features/characteristics of the Policy of Association

1. Association granted some autonomy to the people, recognized the


authority of traditional rulers as well as used some other natives in the
administration of the local areas.
2. It decentralized the political structure, and allowed each local territory to
develop at its own pace.
3. The Africans, no longer regarded as French citizens, but as inferior people,
were subjected to dehumanizing experiences such as forced labour.
4. The policy prepared the people for the forming of political parties in the
French West African colonies.
5. It created local national assemblies for the people of the various colonies to
discuss their affairs.
6. It abolished compulsory military service and the indigenous policy.
7. The policy recognized the cultural diversity of the people.

Merits of British and French colonial administrations in West Africa

1. Agriculture was greatly developed during colonial rule, especially


in the production of cash crops like cocoa, cotton, oil palm and rubber to
provide raw materials for British and French industries. Mechanized
agriculture was introduced in government farms, and local farmers were
encouraged to produce more.

2. The British and French colonial administrators established modern


transportation and communication systems in different parts of West Africa.
For instance, they provided roads, waterways, railways, bridges, and postal
and telecommunication facilities.

3. Colonial rule brought western education to the people of West Africa. The
British and French administrators built schools and colleges which brought up
a crop of educated West Africans who could communicate easily and hold
their own among people from other parts of the world.

4. The Christian missionaries accompanied colonial governments and


spread Christianity to the African people. Christianity contributed a lot
towards the elimination of human sacrifice and similar vices in the colonies
administered by Britain and France. The missionaries also provided
educational and health facilities.

5. Colonialism resulted in the establishment of larger political units


encompassing the old traditional kingdoms. For example, in Nigeria, the
Yoruba kingdoms, the Hausa-Fulani empire, the Igbo communities and the
Jukun kingdom, among others were brought together as a country.

6. B i g c i t i e s l i k e L a g o s , I b a d a n , K a d u n a , D a k a r, A c c r a a n d
A bidjan develope d during British and French colonial administration.

7. Colonialism facilitated inter-state trade amon g the countries under the


same colonial master.
8. The activities of the western missionaries facilitated the level of social
development in both colonies. For instance, they established health and
educational facilities.

9. The introduction of the British and French legal systems provided improve-
ments to, and modifications of, the African traditional laws.

Demerits of British and French colonial administrations in West Africa

1. Britain and France presented their cultures as superior to those of the


African peoples and so made the people of West Africa accept alien cultures
to the neglect of their own.

2. Colonial education retarded socio-economic and political development of


these countries. The form of education introduced was meant to teach
Africans how to read and write English and French languages, and not really
to train them for the socio-economic development of their countries.

3. Britain and France exploited the economy of West African countries. They
derived raw materials from these countries to feed their industries and
brought back finished products to them at high prices.

4. Both Britain and France introduced the capitalist ideology into their colonies.
The system vests economic wealth and control in the hands of a few
individuals.

5. The policy of assimilation made French speaking countries completely


dependent on France. This dependence provided France an opportunity to
interfere in their domestic, economic, military and political policies, even
after independence.

Assignment
Compare between the British and French colonial rule
WEEK 2
SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT
CLASS: SS 2
DATE: ………………….
TOPIC:NATIONALISM
CONTENT:1. Meaning of Nationalism
2. Effects of Nationalism
3. Factors that led to the rise and growth of Nationalism in Nigeria.
4. Some key nationalist leaders and their contributions to
nationalism.
Sub-Topic 1: MEANING OF NATIONALISM
Nationalism can be defined as a strong feeling of national consciousness and love for
one’s country to take care of its own affairs and be free from foreign control and
domination. During colonial period, it was seen as opposition to European
domination. Nationalism is struggle against oppression and domination, struggle for
equality and political participation and self- government. It can be described as a
movement for national independence. During colonial rule in Africa nationalism was
centered on the desire of African people to be free from colonialism and to attain self-
government

Sub-Topic 2: EFFECTS OF NATIONALISM IN NIGERIA

1. It led to an increased participation of Nigerians in politics and this in turn led to


the inclusion of Nigerians in the legislative and executive councils.
2. It made Nigerians to be aware of the disadvantages of colonial rule and their
political rights.
3. Nationalist movement led to the development of political parties in Nigeria e.g.
the first political party in Nigeria - Nigeria National Democratic Party (NNDP)
was formed by one of the nationalist- Herbert Macaulay.
4. The nationalist eventually achieved independence for Nigeria in 1960.
5. Nationalism checked the excesses of the colonial government.
6. Higher institutions of learning were established e.g. Yaba College.
7. Their struggle led to the inclusion of Nigerians in the civil service.
8. It brought about several constitutional reforms in Nigeria.
9. It led to the emergence of news-papers e.g. Lagos Daily News.
10. Their agitations led to the introduction and extension of Franchise in Nigeria
(elective principle).

Sub-Topic 3: FACTORS THAT LED TO THE RISE AND GROWTH OF


NATIONALISM IN NIGERIA
1. Independence of other countries e.g. India in 1947 and later Ghana in 1957.
2. The colonial policy of indirect rule excluded the educated elite from governance.
3. The activities of West African Student’s Union (WASU) in Britain and U.S.A.
4. The establishment of United Nations Organization stimulated nationalist
movements due to its stance on colonialism and Human Rights.
5. The 1941 Atlantic charter emphasized the right to self-determination by all
people of the world.
6. Appointment and deposition of chiefs by the colonial masters also increased
nationalism e.g. the Aba women riot of 1929.
7. The emergence of newspapers such as the West African Pilot, Lagos Daily News,
etc. increased nationalism.-
8. The British Labour Party supported self- rule for the colonized territories.
9. The defeat of Britain by Japan.
10. The activities of the Pan-African Congress.
11. Activities of trade union e.g. Nigeria Civil Service Union 1921, NUT 1931, etc.

Sub-Topic 4: SOME KEY NATIONALIST LEADERS AND THEIR


CONTRIBUTION TO NATIONALISM

1. Herbert Macaulay: He formed the first political party in Nigeria (NNDP). He


also established a newspaper launched in 1925. The Lagos Daily News. This
helped in creating awareness and aroused the political interest of Nigerians.
Herbert Macaulay is regarded as the father of Nigerian Nationalism.
2. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe: He was a strong Nigerian nationalist. He was a member of
Nigerian Youth Movement, general secretary of National Council of Nigeria and
the Cameroon (NCNC). He was the editor of West African Pilot. He represented
the eastern region in the constitutional conferences. In all these activities he
contributed seriously to the rise and growth of Nationalism in Nigeria.
3. Chief Obafemi Awolowo: He was the founding father of Action Group, (a
political party) a party whose member spear headed the 1953 motion for Nigeria
self government in 1956. Awolowo represented the western region in the
constitutional conferences.
4. Sir Ahmadu Bello: He was the leader of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC).
He also was the premier of the Northern region. He also represented the Northern
region in the constitutional conferences.
5. Ernest Ikoli: he was one of the founders of the Nigerian Youth Movement. All
the political parties contributed toward the growth of nationalism.
6. S. L. Akintola, Samuel Akinsonya, H.O. Davies, etc. all contributed through
their membership of the political party or the other.

CHIEF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO

HERBERT MACAULAY

SIR AHMADU BELLO


ANTHONY ENAHORO

DR. NNAMDI AZIKIWE

(SOME NIGERIAN NATIONALISTS)

METHODS USED BY NATIONALIST IN THEIR OPPOSITION TO BRITISH


RULE IN NIGERIA/ WEST AFRICA
1. The use of press – e.g. West African Pilot, Comet, Daily Express, Lagos Daily
News etc. were used as vocal points of opposition to the British rule.
2. Strike, protests, etc. e.g. 1945 nationwide strike in Nigeria and 1948 in Ghana
(then Gold Coast).
3. Constitutional Conferences.
4. Organizing seminars, symposia.

The use of political parties e.g. NNDP in Nigeria, CPP in Ghana, PPP in Gambia,
SLPP in Sierra-Leone.

WEEK 3 & 4
SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT
CLASS: SS 2
DATE: ………………….
TOPIC: CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

CONTENT: (a) Pre–independence constitution and their features.


(b) Independence and Post–independence constitutions and their
features.
(c) Common features in past and present constitutions in Nigeria.
Sub–Topic 1: PRE–INDEPENDENCE CONSTITUTION AND THEIR
FEATURES

A constitution is a body of laws governing a country. No country in the world can


function without a constitution. It is a source of authority and it gives function to the
three arms of government. It determines the rights and duties of citizens. Constitution
can be written or unwritten; rigid or flexible.

In Nigeria, our constitutional development is in two phases. The first phase was the
period when Nigeria was under British rule (Colonial rule or pre–independence
period) and the second phase was when Nigeria gained independence from British
rule (Post Independence Period).

Nigeria fell under British rule in 1861. Lagos was made a crown colony and was
directly administered from London.

Nigeria passed through different phases of constitutional development.

In 1914 Lord Luggard, the governor general amalgamated the northern and southern
protectorate. Lord Luggard established the Nigerian Council that laid the foundation
for constitutional development in Nigeria.

i. CLIFFORD CONSTITUTION OF 1922


Sir Hugh Clifford was appointed governor of Nigeria after Lord Frederick Luggard in
1922. He made some findings on the northern and southern provinces and
recommendation was sent to the British government and was approved.

This became the new constitution and was named after Sir Hugh Clifford.
The constitution created two councils (The executive and legislative council) elective
principle (This means election and voting for candidates to represent Nigeria in the
legislative was introduced).

Features of Clifford Constitution of 1922


1. It abolished the Nigerian council.
2. It established a new legislative council – the first ever for the colony and
protectorate of Nigeria (excluding the northern protectorate)
3. It establishes a new executive council for the whole Nigeria.
4. It established elective principle for the first time.
5. It gave special impetus to the activities in Lagos and Calabar with the formation
of political parties.
6. Newspapers were established to further make popular the increased political
activities.

Merits of Clifford Constitution.

i. Introduction of elective principle: This allowed the electorates in Lagos and


Calabar to exercise their franchise.
ii. It led to the development of political parties in Nigeria e.g. NNDP which led
to increased political awareness among the people of Nigeria.
iii. It gave birth to the establishment of newspapers in Nigeria. Lagos daily news
iv. It was the first written constitution in Nigeria
v. More seats were given to Africans in the legislative council than that of 1914

Demerits of Clifford Constitution of 1922


i. Nigerians were not well represented in the legislative council.
ii. The elective principle introduced was only for the legislative council and were
unofficial. The franchise was not extended to the executive council.
iii. The legislative council was dominated by the uneducated Nigerians who could
not make much positive contributions.
iv. The veto power of the governor could be exercised on issues affecting both
legislative and executive councils.
v. Executive council was also dominated and controlled by the Europeans.
vi. Clifford constitution was accused of sectionalism by its definition. It was a
constitution for the south only, the north was excluded.

ii. RICHARD CONSTITUTION OF 1946


The defects of the Clifford’s constitution of 1922 led to the introduction of the
Richard Orwell constitution of 1946. Some of its features were:
i. It divided Nigeria into three regions, namely: northern, eastern and western
regions. This means that he created Regional Assembly.
ii. It established a single legislative council for the whole Nigeria, for the first time,
it allowed unofficial members in the legislative council. The Legislative Council
which was enlarged in order to allow for the representation of all diverse shades
of opinion and interest had 44 members in all made up of 28 majority non-
officials and 16 minority officials.
iii. It widened the scope of the Nigerian representations in the legislative council.
iv. It linked native authorities with the Regional Assemblies and linked Regional
Assemblies to the Central executive Council.
v. Richards’s constitution laid the foundation for federalism and federal constitution
in Nigerian political structure.
vi. The constitution, by providing for a bicameral legislature in the North, introduced
bicameralism.

Merits of Richard’s Constitution.

i. Richard’s constitution laid the foundation for federalism and federal


constitution in Nigerian political structure.
ii. It introduced bicameralism in the North.
iii. It expanded the Nigerian legislative council.
iv. It integrated the North and the South in a single legislative council.
v. It laid the foundation for national unity

Demerits of Richard’s Constitution of 1946


i. The executive council was still dominated by Europeans as in Clifford’s
constitution.
ii. Division of the country into unequal parts. The country was divided into three
unequal regions, making the north larger than the other two combined.
iii. Elective principle was retained by Richard and favoured only Lagos and Calabar.
The principle of representation was not extended to other parts of the country.
iv. Limited powers were given the regional assemblies to legislate on minor matters
and this should be subject to the governors reserved powers.
v. The chiefs were nominated and not elected into the legislative Council.
Therefore, they mainly represented the interests of those that nominated them.
vi. The governor still had power to veto bills and can reject or accept advice from
members of the executive council.
vii. Nigerians were not allowed to have a say in the constitutional proposals as they
were rushed through both in the legislative council and in the British parliament.
THE IBADAN ALL NIGERIAN CONSTITUTIONAL CONFERENCE (1950)
However, despite the above features and improvements brought about by Richards’s
constitution of 1922, there were complaints when Sir John Macpherson became
Governor of Nigeria in 1948. He initiated moves for Nigerians to agree to
constitutional changes. After the debates at local village, province and regional levels,
Ibadan general conference came into being in January 1950.
The following decisions were reached at the conference:
i. Increased regional autonomy within a united Nigeria (quasi-federal system).
ii. That regional legislative council would be given limited legislative powers
compared to 1946 constitution when regional legislative council had no power to
make laws.
iii. Ministerial responsibility for Nigerians which led to the creation of councils of
ministers in the constitution.
iv. Creation of larger and more representative regional legislature.
v. That the North was to provide 50% or half of the seats in the central legislature in
Lagos.
vi. More legislative powers to be given to the regions to be in line with their
increased autonomy.
vii. An independent commission to be appointed for revenue allocation.
viii. The central house of representatives to be enlarged.
ix. That the ordinances of central administration should override regional laws.

MACPHERSON CONSTITUTION OF 1951


Sir John Macpherson took over from Sir Richard in 1948 as Governor of Nigeria.
The constitution came into being after a constitutional conference was held at the
village, regional and central level. Some of its features were:
i. It established a central legislative and a central executive council for the whole
country.
ii. There were regional legislative and regional executive council for the north, west
and east.
iii. The constitution introduced the federal system of government in Nigeria with
division of powers between the central government and regional government.
iv. In the North, only male tax-payers voted, while in the West and the East, both
sexes voted.
v. In Lagos, as in the regions, the executive councils dominated by Nigerians were
the principal policy making body.
vi. In all executive councils, decisions were by majority vote. The presiding
governor in Lagos or the lieutenant-governor in each regions cast votes only
when there was a tie.
vii. The governor could sometimes take decisions or act, without, or against the
advice of the council of ministers, if he thought that was the best in the public
interest.

Merits of Macpherson constitution

i. Macpherson did extensive consultation before drafting the


constitution thus, many Nigerians were involved in the drafting of
the constitution.
ii. Nigerians were for the first term appointed ministers at both
regional and central government levels.
iii. The bicameral legislative structure was extended to western region
iv. It allowed for an elected majority in both the central and regional
legislatures.
v. Elections into the central and regional legislatures were direct.
vi. It created the office of the speaker for the first time to preside over
the legislature

Demerits of Macpherson Constitution of 1951


i. The existence of regional/ethnic politics which weakened the central legislature,
that is, the representatives at the centre were more loyal to their regions.
ii. The constitution made no provision for a responsible government at the centre,
e.g. the ministers were not given portfolios, but could initiate discussion of policy
in the council.
iii. The exclusion of Nnamdi Azikwe from the central legislature led to the crisis in
the Eastern House of Assembly.
iv. The motion for self government moved by Chief Anthony Enahoro in 1953 in the
House of Representatives asking for self-government for Nigeria in 1956 which
was rejected by the Northern politicians caused bad blood between Northern and
Southern politicians.
v. Kano riot of 1953 demonstrated the weakness and failures of Macpherson
constitution.
vi. Regional based political parties: The three major parties – the NCNC, NPC, and
AG were all regional parties. None of them commanded a nation – wide support.
vii. Crisis within NCNC as a party, which erupted in 1953 and resulted in the
expulsion of some party members. The expected members formed a new party
called United Independent Party.
viii. No provision was made for the office of a prime minister as head of government
in the country and premiers for the regions, whereas the offices of council of
ministers and regional executive council were created at the central and regional
levels of government respectively.
ix. Dual membership in the legislature of the lieutenant-governors of the regions
who were also members of both regional legislature and the House of
Representatives.
x. Veto power provided by the constitution which empowered with veto power to
legislate on any matter in the country.

iv. LYTTLETON CONSTITUTION OF 1954


Oliver Lyttleton became the governor general in 1954. After the London and Lagos
constitutional conferences held in 1953, a new constitution was written for Nigeria by
governor Lyttleton. Some of its features were:
i. Nigeria formally became a federation with the federal government and three
regional governments.
ii. The regions were more autonomous.
iii. It made provision for the office of the speaker and deputy speaker.
iv. There were premiers in the three regions who were Nigerians.
v. Ministers were made heads of departments, having full responsibilities for their
ministries.
vi. It introduced direct elections into the federal and regional legislatures in Nigeria.

Merits of Lyttleton constition.

1. The constitution officially established the federal system of government in


Nigeria
2. It clearly specified the division of powers between the central and regional
government
3. Ministers were given portfolios and were in control of their ministries
4. It established the offices of speaker and deputy speaker in the Nigerian
legislature
5. The regional government had Premiers who were Nigerians as leaders
6. He granted real law making powers to the regional legislatures

Demerits of Lyttleton Constitution of 1954


1. Loyalty of ministers to their regional leaders. This happened because their regional
leaders were not part of the central decision making body – the federal Council of
ministers.
2. No provision for the office of a prime minister as head of government of Nigeria,
even when there was the council of ministers.
3. Retention of official members in the federal and regional executives.
4. There was no uniform electoral system. The North had a different electoral system
– adult male electoral suffrage while the East, West and Central legislature was
direct election based on universal adult suffrage.
5. There was Senate as the second chamber at the central legislature.
6. Veto and Reserve powers. The constitution still gave veto and reserve powers to
the Head of state (Governor General) and even to reject bills, accept or reject
advice.
7. Establishment of a Supreme Court: Even though the Supreme Court was
established, it had no power to entertain appellate cases in Nigeria. Also, it was not
made the highest court in the country.
8. Regionalization of the public service which strengthened the regions at the expense
of the federal public service.

Sub-Topic 2: INDEPENDENCE CONSTITUTION OF 1960


Nigeria became an independent and a sovereign nation on October 1, 1960. British
officials went back to Britain and Nigerians were in charge of their own government.
It features were:
i. Nigeria remained a federal state with three regions – north, east and west.
ii. Bicameral legislature (The Senate and House of representative at the centre).
iii. The preservation of people’s fundamental human right.
iv. The prime minister became the head of government and the premiers became the
heads of government in the regions while governor-general and regional
governors became ceremonial heads.
v. The appointments of judges were put in the hands of a judicial service
commission.
vi. It created new region – Midwestern region was created in 1963.
vii. It made provision for constitutional amendments that could only be initiated by
the federal government while the regions could only support such initiative.
viii. It made provision for citizenship of Nigeria.
ix. It granted powers over emergency situation to the federal government. This was
what was used over the Western region in 1962.
x. It made ‘need, national interest and balanced development’ the basis for revenue
allocation.
xi. It gave the federal Supreme Court the power of judicial review. That is, the court
could cancel or annul the laws and actions of both the federal and regional
governments.
Merits of Independence Constitution:
1. The 1960 constitution made Nigeria a full- fledged sovereign state.
2. The constitution created a lot of employment opportunities for Nigerians in the
civil service.
3. As a sovereign state, it marked the beginning of new diplomatic era in which
Nigeria joined international organizations.eg. UNO, OPEC etc.
4. It made provision for the protection of human rights.
5. The existing regions and their boundaries were safeguarded in the constitution.
6. Nigeria was able to establish trade relations with other nations which
contributed to the expanding Nigerian foreign trade.

Demerits of Independence Constitution:


1. Partial independence: The independence of 1960 was a partial one because it did
not bring a total sovereignty to the country. The Queen was still the Head of state.
2. Final Court of Appeal: Even though there was a supreme court in the country,
yet, it had no power over appellate cases. Nigerians could only appeal to the
Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London.
3. There was the possibility of Britain still interfering in the internal affairs of the
country as long as the Queen remained the Head of state.

Features of Colonial Constitution


i. Creation of two councils; the legislative and executive council.
ii. Introduction of an elective principle.
iii. Division of Nigeria into three regions with each having its regional council.
iv. Regional assemblies were granted power to make laws for their region.
v. Three legislative lists were drawn (the exclusive, the concurrent and the residual
list).
vi. Lagos was proclaimed Federal Capital Territory.
vii. Provision for the office of the speaker and deputy speaker.
viii. The preservation of the people’s fundamental human right.

POST 1960 CONSTITUTION

A. REPUBLICAN CONSTITUTION 1963


i. The form of government adopted was republican form of government.
ii. The Queen ceased to be the Head of state. The president as a ceremonial Head of
state replaced the Governor-General of 1960.
iii. The Privy Council in London ceased to be the highest court in Nigeria but the
Supreme Court.
iv. The name Governor General was changed to president.
v. Fundamental human right guaranteed by the constitution.
vi. It granted the federal government power to declare a state of emergency in any
part of the country.
vii. The National Parliament was made up of 44 members of Senate and 312
members of the House of Representatives.
viii. The office of the prime minister was strengthened but remained answerable and
accountable to the parliament.
ix. A federal judge could only be removed by a two-third majority of both Houses –
Senate and Representatives.
x. The prime minister could not be removed except a vote of no confidence was
passed on him by the House and if he refused to resign, the parliament would be
dissolved.

Merits of Republican constitution of 1963:

i. The fundamental human rights of the citizens was entrenched in the


constitution.
ii. It established a federal electoral commission for the conduct of election the
country.
iii. It made the supreme court the final court of appeal.
iv. It established the police force for the whole country.
v. Nigerians were fully involved in directing the affairs of their country.

Demerits of Republican Constitution of 1963


i. There was no supremacy of the constitution but of the parliament.
ii. The prime minister was accountable to the parliament and not to the people.
iii. The supremacy of the parliament led to the abuse of power or arbitrary use of
power by the legislature.
iv. The election of the president was not based on the decision of the majority but by
the minority.
v. There was lobbying, bribery and corruption which characterized the election of
the president.
vi. There was no separation but fusion of powers. The executive and the legislature
were both fused. It did not make for effective performance.
vii. Carpet-crossing was the common feature of the First Republic. Politicians were
shifting party allegiance for some rewards.

B. 1979 PRESIDENTIAL CONSTITUTION (SECOND REPUBLIC)

OLUSEGUN AREMU OBASANJO


After thirteen years of military rule, a search began for a workable constitution.
In July 1975, Murtala Mohammed formed a constitution drafting committee which
submitted its report and was approved by the Obasanjo regime. It was adopted as the
constitution of the second republic on the 1 st of October, 1979 the same day the
military handed over power to the civilian. The constitution established a presidential
system (executive president is both the head of state, government and commander in
chief of the armed forces).
The president is elected in a general election, declared military coup unconstitutional,
each of the 19 states had a House of Assembly.

Features of 1979 Constitution


1. The constitution established a presidential system (executive president is both the
head of state, government and commander in chief of the armed forces).
2. The vice president was nominated by the president as the running-mate of the
president who came from the same party with the president.
3. The constitution established a bi-cameral legislature. The House of
Representatives had 450 members and the Senate 95 members. The houses are
jointly called National Assembly.
4. There was a fixed term of office for the federal and state executives. The duration
was a four-year term, though they could still run for another second term of four
years. The duration of the members of the houses at the national and state
assemblies were four years term, they also could be re-elected.
5. There was separation of powers. The legislature and the executives were
completely separated in both functions and personnel.
6. The establishment of federal character principle.
7. The constitution made provision for a democratically elected local government
council with the functions of the councilors.
8. The president has the whole country as his constituency and was directly elected
by the electorates.
9. The Chief Justice of the federation was to be appointed by the president, with the
senate’s approval. All other justices of the Supreme Court, the Federal Court of
Appeal, and the Federal High Courts were appointed by the Federal Judicial
Service Commission.
10. The constitution was to be the supreme law of the land.

Merits of 1979 Presidential constitution:

i. It provided for separation of powers among the organs of government.


ii. It brought in a new system of government. That is presidential system to
replace parliamentary system.
iii. I created the local government as the third tier of government in order to
bring development to the rural area.
iv. It was easy to limit through the constitution, the term of office of the
president or governor.
v. The president was directly elected by the electorate in general election.

Demerits of 1979 Presidential Constitution:


i. The constitution was not specific enough on the expectations concerning character
and ability for aspiration to leadership positions.
ii. The impeachment clause was misused by the legislators in situations where
different parties controlled the legislature and the executive. The executive was not
allowed a conducive atmosphere to function effectively.
iii. The system was too complicated for many of those involved in implementing it.
iv. In spite of checks and balances, the chief executive still has room for dictatorial
actions.
v. The constitution still allowed a winner-take-all situation where there was little
room for consensus and thus bitter rivalries and instability ensued.

C. 1989 PRESIDENTIAL (THIRD REPUBLICAN) CONSTITUTION


At the end of 1983, it had become clear that the 1979 constitution had failed. The
Shagari/Ekwueme administration was overthrown by Buhari on the 31st of December,
1983. The military suspended the 1979 constitution and ruled by decrees and edicts.
Buhari government was overthrown by Babaginda in 1985, and in 1987 the 1979
constitution was reviewed and was approved by the Armed Forces Ruling Council in
1989. The 1989 constitution adopted the 1979 constitution with some amendments.

The political bureau was established on 13 January 1986 with seventeen members. It
collated the views of Nigerians on nation’s political future and wrote a report on this
for Constitution Review Committee (CRC). The CRC was inaugurated on 7
September, 1987 with forty-six members to use the recommendations of the political
bureau in reviewing the 1963 and 1979 republican constitutions.

Features of 1989 Presidential Constitution


i. There was separation of powers as members of the executive are not members of
the legislature. This promoted the effectiveness of the organs and freedom and
liberty of the citizens.
ii. The president was above his political parties. The party did not have control over
him since he was popularly elected by the electorates.
iii. The president appoints his ministers. He can direct and check their activities as
they are individually responsible to him.
iv. The constitution was supreme and as such must be obeyed and respected by all
authorities and citizens.
v. It fixed the tenure of office of the political office holder, thus, it prevented the
tendencies of any leader or party from perpetuating itself in power.
vi. Fundamental human rights were fully elaborated and guaranteed.
vii. A new federal capital territory was provided for by the constitution.

Merits of 1989 Presidential Constitution:

i. The two party system made the choice of the electorate more focused with
reduced confusion as in multi- party system.
ii. Minimum qualification of age and education for candidates eliminated
immature and ignorant people from participating in governance.
iii. The greater prominence of local government made room for more rapid
development at the local and rural areas.
iv. It averted the ” two third” (2/3) controversy of the 1979 presidential
election by making provision for fractions arising from the computation of
votes to be rounded up to the next whole number
v. It identified the three forms of Nigerian citizenship namely- citizenship by
birth registration and naturalization.

Demerits of 1989 Presidential Constitution:


i. The two party system limited the choice of both politicians and the electorate
ii. Part time status and allowances given to legislators made them concentrate more
on their private business than on law making
iii. The law-makers can use the impeachment clause indiscriminately and to
victimize a political opponent.
iv. The appointment of people into federal establishments may not reflect federal
character. This is because some sections of the country would still feel neglected.

v. There is the possibility of problems coming up between the executive and the
legislature especially when the ruling party is not maintaining the majority in the
legislature.

Assignment
1. What were the common features in the past and present Constitutions in Nigeria?

What was the main advantage of constitutional development t in Nigeria?

WEEK 5

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT
CLASS: SS 2

DATE: ………………….

TOPIC:THE 1999 NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION

CONTENT: (a) Origin and Features of 1999 Constitution.


(b) Strengths and weaknesses of the 1999 Constitution.

Sub–Topic 1: ORIGIN AND FEATURES OF 1999 CONSTITUTION

1999 PRESIDENTIAL CONSTITUTION


The presidential election of 1993 (June 12) was annulled; the head of state, General
Sanni Abacha started a constitutional amendment process.

General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who took over from Abacha, set up a constitution
drafting committee. A new constitution emerged called the 1999 constitution of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Features of the 1999 Republican Constitution


1. The constitution retains the 1979 and 1989 constitution.
2. The constitution provides for a bicameral legislature, consisting of the House of
Representatives and Senate, and a unicameral legislature (House of Assembly)
for each state.
3. The Secondary School Certificate is the minimum qualification for those wishing
to contest elections into national and state positions such as legislators, president
and governors.
4. The constitution provides for 774 local government councils.
5. Local government councils are to be administered by democratically elected
chairmen and councilors.
6. The constitution provides for revenue allocation formula.
7. It retains the federal system of government with the sharing of powers.
8. It provides for fundamental human rights.
9. It defines the three forms of Nigerian citizenship: citizenship by birth, citizenship
by naturalization and citizenship by registration.
10. There is provision for the independence of the judiciary.
11. It retains the thirty-six state structure and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

2. The constitution provides for the Federal Character Commission, Code of Conduct Bureau,
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Federal Judicial Service
Commission, Federal Civil Service Commission, National Defense Council, National
Population Commission, National Economic Council, National Judicial Council, National
Police Council, Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Police Service
Commission and the Council of States.
PROCEDURE FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW
According to a section of 1999 Constitution, an act for the alteration of any provision
of the constitution (exception is the matter of new states and boundary adjustment,
etc.) begins as a proposal. The proposal has to be approved by the votes of not less
than four-fifth majority of all the members of each house of the National Assembly
and also approved by resolution of the Houses of Assembly of not less than two-thirds
of all the states. When the bill is now considered in the National Assembly, it shall not
be passed in either House of the National Assembly unless the proposal is supported
by the votes of not less than two-thirds majority of all the states. Notwithstanding, any
vacancy, all 360 members of the House of Representatives and 109 senators shall be
present for all these deliberations.

The Nigerian Constitution is very clear on this issue and any statutory or case law that
is inconsistent to the provision of the Constitution is to the extent of its
inconsistencies void.

Section 9 of the Nigerian Constitution provided for the amendment of the constitution
as follows:
(1) The National Assembly may, subject to the provisions of this section, alter any of
the provisions of this Constitution;
(2) Any act of the National Assembly for the alteration of this constitution, not being
an Act to which section 8 of this constitution applies, shall not be passed in either
House of the National Assembly unless the proposal is supported by the votes of
not less than two-thirds majority of all the members of that House and approved
by resolution of the Houses of Assembly of not less than two-thirds of all the
States;
(3) An Act of the National assembly for the purpose of altering the provisions of this
section, section 8 and Chapter IV of this constitution shall not be passed by either
House of the National Assembly unless the proposal is approved by the votes of
not less than four fifths majority of all the members of each House and also
approved by resolution of the Houses of Assembly of not less than two-thirds of
all the states.
Although this power of the National Assembly is quite distinct from its ordinary law
making power, the procedure is almost the same as in the case of ordinary bill. An
amendment of the constitution involves the National Assembly, State House of
Assembly and the President. Most commentators are interpreting section 9 in isolation
and ignoring sections 58 (1), (5) of the Constitution, and section 2 of the
Interpretation Acts that mandated presidential assent to all bills or act.

Section 58 of the constitution stated above provides as follows:


(1) the power of the National Assembly to make laws shall be exercised by bills
passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives and, except as
otherwise provided by subsection (5) of this section, assented to by the President.
(2) A bill may originate in either the Senate or the House of Representatives and shall
not become law unless it has been passed and, except as otherwise provided by
this section and section 59 of this Constitution, assented to in accordance with the
provisions of this section.
(3) Where a bill has been passed by the House in which it originated, it shall be sent
to the other House, and it shall be presented to the President for assent when it
has been passed by that other House and agreement has been reached between the
two Houses on any amendment made on it.

(4) Where a bill is presented to the President for assent, he shall within thirty days
thereof signify that he assents or that he withholds assent.
(5) Where the President withholds his assent and the bill is again passed by each
House by two-thirds majority, the bill shall become law and the assent of the
President shall not be required."
Also, Section 2 of the Interpretation Act Cap 123, Laws of the federation of Nigeria
provides that “an act is passed when the President assents to the bill or the act,
whether or not the act then comes into force”.
As stated above the only departure from presidential assent is when a President
exercises veto and refuses to assent, to sign a bill into law, then members of the
National Assembly can pass the bill all over again by two thirds majority.
There is no other way in which a law, including a law for the amendment of the
Constitution, can be made, except it is passed by the National Assembly and assented
to by the President as stated above. Furthermore, there is no provision which, either
expressly or impliedly, take away from section 58, a bill for an Act to amend any of
the provisions of the Constitution.
Section 9 (2) does not take away the power of the president in the amendment
process, what it does was to strengthen the amendment process and increase the
people’s participation in the process. This process is in no way in variance to the
provisions of section 58 of the constitution.
It is interesting to note that Article 5 of the United States Constitution which provides
for the amendment of its constitution at no point referred to the proposal of Congress
or State government to amend the constitution as an “Act”. The intention of the
framers of the constitution is clear of the role of the US President in the amendment
process as was affirmed by the Supreme Court in Hollingsworth v Virginia (3 US 378
[1798]). The US Supreme Court held that the US President have no role in the
amendment process.

Suffice to state that the intentions of the drafters of the Nigerian constitution are not in
doubt when they refer to the proposed amendment as an Act. An Act of the National
Assembly can only become law after presidential assent as clearly stated in our laws.
The language of Section 9(2) does not in any way obviate the President from the
amendment process.

PARTS OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION NEEDING REVIEW


Some parts of the constitution needing review are as follow:
i. The revenue allocation formula.
ii. More than 50% of the distributable pool account is given to the federal
government; the state and the local government share less than 50%. This is
according to the Okigbo Presidential Commission on Revenue Allocation Act. This
puts too much money at the disposal of the federal government and too little for the
state and local governments, which are closer to the people.

3. The immunity clause: It provides too much protection for corrupt political office holders,
which makes them feel more important than they really should be.

4. Assignment
What are the stages involved in passing bills into law?
WEEK6&7 DATE.....................................

TOPIC: FEDERALISM

CONTENT:

1. ORIGIN OF FEDERALISM IN NIGERIA


a. Emergence of Federalism in Nigeria
b. Factors that necessitated the formation of federalism
c. Conferences organised by the colonial powers
2. NATURE AND STRUCTURE OF NIGERIAN FEDERALISM
a. Structure of Nigerian Federalism.
i. Federalism before independence
ii. 1960-196
iii. 1967-1975
iv. 1976 to date
b. Features of Nigerian federalism.

SUB-TOPIC 1: ORIGIN OR EVOLUTION OF FEDERALISM IN NIGERIA


Before the advent of colonial rule, Nigeria was made up of various independent
kingdoms which were tribal in nature. The British government annexed Lagos in 1861
and formally took over the administration of Nigeria in 1900. The British government
then established two protectorates namely Northern and Southern Protectorates and
administered it separately from the Colony of Lagos. The origin of Nigerian
federalism can therefore be traced to from 1914 as outlined below.

i. In 1914, Lord Lugard amalgamated the Colony and Protectorate of Southern


Nigeria and the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria.
ii. In 1922 Sir Hugh Clifford became the Governor and a constitution named
Clifford Constitution was promulgated. The Constitution provided for
legislative councils for the Colony and Southern Protectorate of Nigeria. The
Northern region was excluded from the council. The elective principle
introduced paved way for political parties only in the south,
iii. In 1946, another constitution named after Arthur Richards was promulgated.
The constitution introduced regionalism under which the country was divided
into three regions namely: North, West and East. There was, however, no
constitutional division of powers. Regional assemblies had no legislative
powers.
iv. In 1951, the MacPherson Constitution introduced a quasi-federal system
which gave legislative powers on specific issues to the regional government
but subject to the ratification of the central government.
v. In 1954, the Lyttleton Constitution formally established a true federal system
of government which divided legislative powers into exclusive, concurrent and
residual lists. Premiers were appointed to head the three regions.

Federalism have continued in Nigeria with a break in 1966 when Aguiyi Ironsi’s
administration attempted to revert Nigeria to a Unitary System. Federalism was
restored six months later by the government of General Yakubu Gowon. Federalism
has been in Nigeria with minor modifications and changes till date.

FACTORS THAT NECESSITATED THE FORMATION OF FEDERALISM IN


NIGERIA

1. The amalgamation of the North and South in 1914 laid historical foundation of
Federalism in Nigeria.
2. The large size of the country.
3. Diversity in culture and ethnic composition
4. Geographical contiguity: The ethnic groups are geographically contiguous or
very close to each other.
5. The need to protect the interest of the minority groups.
6. The threat of Northern region to secede from Nigeria in 1953.
7. Nigeria has a large population with more than 150 million people.
8. Outcome of constitutional conferences: The 1953 and 1954 constitutional
conferences agreed to establish the federal system of government in Nigeria.
9. Fear of domination of the minority.

CONFERENCES ORGANISED BY THE COLONIAL POWERS

Before the formal establishment of federalism in 1954 under the Lyttleton


Constitution of 1954, the Colonial government have organised several constitutional
conferences namely: the 1950 Ibadan Conference, 1953 London Conference and 1954
Lagos Conference.

A. THE IBADAN CONFERENCE OF 1950

Sir John MacPherson on assumption of office as the Governor of Nigeria took steps to
avoid the mistakes of the former Governor, Sir Arthur Richard especially on the issue
of lack of consultation with the people of Nigeria before drafting the 1946
Constitution. He initiated moves for Nigerians to agree to constitutional changes. The
draft of the MacPherson Constitution was debated at the village, district, provincial
and regional levels and eventually a general conference was held in Ibadan between 9
and 28 January 1950. The following decisions were reached at the conference.

1. The 1946 Richard Constitution did not provide any power for the
regional councils. The Conference gave limited legislative powers to
the regions.
2. Responsibility for ministers: The conference agreed that a council of
ministers should be created involving Nigerians.
3. Wider regional legislature: Regional legislature should be created and
made wider to accommodate more representatives.
4. Increase legislative powers: With increase autonomy of the regions,
there should be a corresponding increase in their legislative powers.
5. House of representatives: To be enlarged making room for more
representatives.
6. Increase seats: Northern Nigeria was to provide half of the seats in the
house of representatives i.e. 50% of the seats.
7. Revenue allocation: The conference agreed that an independent
commission should be constituted to be in charge of revenue
allocation.
8. Powers of the tiers of government: The powers of the tiers of
government were defined and in case of conflict, the powers of the
central government should prevail.
B. THE LONDON CONFERENCE OF 1953

This conference was held due to the collapse of MacPherson Constitution of 1951.
The conference was called by the Secretary of State for the colonies, Oliver Lyttleton.
The Conference was attended by 19 delegates, 6 from each region and 1 from
Cameroons.

The following decisions were arrived at:

1. There should be federal government and its powers should be clearly stated
as well as the regional government. The federal and residual lists were
drawn up.
2. The regional lieutenant governors should be called governors while the
governor of Nigeria should be called governor-general.
3. Lagos should be separated from the western region and made a neutral
federal capital.
4. That a conference to be held in Lagos in 1954 should ratify a separate
regional administration in the Cameroons if the people indicate interest
through a referendum.
5. That Her Majesty’s Government would grant self-government to those
regions which desire it in 1956.
C. THE LAGOS CONFERENCE OF 1954

The conference was held as a follow-up to the 1953 London Conference. It was to
settle some unresolved political problems by the 1953 London Conference.

The conference met in January 1954 under the chairmanship of the Secretary of State
for the Colonies. The conference considers the reports of the Sir Louis Chicks
Commission published in December 1953.

The following were the decisions of the 1954 constitutional conference held in Lagos:

1. It accepted the proposals put forward by the Sir Louis Chicks Fiscal
Commission on the allocation of financial resources to the federal and regional
governments.
2. That the public service should be regionalized.
3. It granted autonomy to Southern Cameroon.

SUB-TOPIC 2
NATURE AND STRUCTURE OF NIGERIAN FEDERALISM

i. FEDERALISM BEFORE INDEPENDENCE

Lyttleton Constitution established Federal system of government in Nigeria. The


constitution provided for division of powers between the central and regional
governments. The powers were shared into exclusive, concurrent and residual lists.
Some items on the exclusive lists which were reserved for the central government are
foreign affairs, currency, immigration, customs, mining, etc.

Concurrent list of items were for both the federal and regional governments. These
included industrial development, public safety, health, etc. Matters on the residual list
were reserved only for regional government. Such items included primary and
secondary education, local health services, minor roads, etc. The civil service and the
judiciary were regionalized. Premiers were appointed to head the various regions.

ii. FEDERALISM BETWEN1960-1966

The 1960 independence constitution came into operation on 1 October, 1960. It


adopted a parliamentary system of government based on the principles of federalism.
It provided for bi-cameral legislature both at the federal and regional levels. The
office of the prime minister was created. He was the head of government chosen from
the leader of the party that commands the majority seats in the parliament. The first
prime minister in Nigeria was Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. The office of the
governor-general was also created and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was the governor-general.
The three regions were head by premiers appointed from the parties that commands
majority in the various regions.

The judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts were appointed on the advice of
the judicial service commission. All cases of final appeal were referred to the Judicial
Privy Council in London.

Nigeria became a republic in 1963 and a new constitution was promulgated. The
constitution stated that the governor-general should be replaced by a president and Dr.
Nnamdi Azikiwe became the first President of the Republic of Nigeria as well as head
of state.

The Queen of England ceased to be the Head of State of Nigeria. The supreme Court
in Nigeria also became the final court of appeal instead of the Privy Council in
London. The mid-western region was created on 13 august, 1963 bringing the number
of regions to four. The federal structure continued in Nigeria until 1966 when the first
military intervention into the politics of Nigeria took place on January 15, 1966. The
new head of government Major General J.T.U Aguiyi Ironsi enacted Decree No. 34
called unification Decree. This decree abolished federalism and adopted Unitarianism
though it was short-lived the government was toppled within six months. Lt. Col.
Yakubu Gowon took over the leadership of the country. He sub-divided the country
into 12 states – an attempt to weaken the hands of Lt. Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu, the
then head of the eastern region from seceding. But three days after the division on
May 30, 1967, Ojukwu proclaimed the Eastern region as an independent state of
Biafra. The civil war that followed which lasted for about three years 1967-1970
threatened Nigerian Federalism.

STRUCTURE OF NIGERIAN FEDERALISM FROM 1967-1975

As the military came into politics, ethnicity was introduced into Nigerian army. The
twelve states created by the Gowon regime returned Nigeria to federalism. The
Supreme legislative body was the Supreme Military Council headed by the Head of
State. By 29 July, 1975 another military coup took place that ousted General Gowon
and ushered in then Brigadier Murtala Muhammed to power. A panel was set up to
examine the creation of new states. The regime created seven more states bringing the
total number to 19 states. It was also decided that the federal capital would move to
Abuja.

FEDERALISM IN NIGERIA 1976 – TILL DATE

General Murtala Muhammed was assassinated in an abortive coup led by Lt. Col.
Dimka on 13 February, 1976. General Obasanjo being the second in command took
over the leadership. There was a reform in the local government. Through this reform,
local government was made the third tier of government. General Obasanjo regime
carried out a successful transition to civilian rule. The elected leaders were sworn in
on 1 October, 1979. Alhaji Shehu Shagari became the first executive president of
Nigeria. His government was also toppled by another military coup on 31 December,
1983. The coup brought in General Muhammadu Buhari and Brigadier Tunde
Idiagbon to power. The regime embarked on some radical changes. On 27 August,
1985 another military coup took place and brought in Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi
Babangida. When he came in he made some changes. He adopted the title president
instead of head of state. The regime created eleven states bringing the number of
states to thirty. The regime embarked on an endless transition programme that
terminated with the annulment of the 12 June, 1993 Presidential election and when the
tension was high, he handed over power on 27 August, 1993 to Chief Ernest
Shonekan. The interim government was later removed in another coup led by General
Sani Abacha on 17 November, 1993. The regime created six additional states bringing
the number to 36 states. Abacha’s government came to an end after his death on 8
June, 1998. After the death of Abacha, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar came in and
initiated a ten-month transition programme which terminated on 29 th of May 1999
when he handed over power to a democratically elected leader – President Olusegun
Obasanjo.

The Federal Government have been maintained till date where we have had over 4
democratically elected presidents. President Musa Yar ‘Aqua , president Goodluck
Jonathan, president Muhammadu Buhari, president Bola Tinubu.

FEATURES OF NIGERIAN FEDERALISM

1. Division of government powers among the federal, state and local


government.
2. The different levels of government in Nigeria derive their powers from the
constitution.
3. Duplication of organs of government and civil service at all levels of
government in Nigeria.
4. A written and rigid constitution is adopted.
5. There is supremacy of the constitution.
6. Existence of bi-cameral legislature at the centre from 1979 till date.
7. Division of Nigeria into states.
8. There is existence of Supreme Court for judicial interpretation and review.
9. The prevalence of federal government laws in cases of conflict.
10. The right of secession is outlawed.
11. Existence of a single tier police force.

Assignment
Explain the structure of Nigeria federalism before independence till date
WEEK8 DATE......................
SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT

TOPIC: FEDERALISM

CONTENT:

1. Problems of Nigerian Federalism.


a. The Need for Revenue Allocation in a Federal State
b. Revenue Allocation Formula
c. Inter- ethnic rivalry
d. Issue of secession
2. Minority Issues and Creation of States.
a. The Majority and Minority Ethnic Groups in Nigeria
b. Reasons for the Demands of More States
c. Complexity and Endless Nature of State Creation
d. Recommendation of Willincks’ Commission
e. Solutions to Minority Problems in Nigeria

SUB-TOPIC 1: PROBLEMS OF NIGERIAN FEDERALISM

The Need for Revenue Allocation in a Federal State

a. Revenue allocation in a federal state may be defined as an attempt by the


central government to reduce the inequalities among the various levels of
government in the country taking into consideration the financial resources
available to them. It also refers to the sharing of revenue and other resources
generated in the country among the different levels or tier of government. In
Nigeria, we have three tiers of government.
Within any country, there are many areas of inequalities .e.g. population size,
land mass, wealth, rate of development etc. Hence in an attempt to find a
suitable formula for the sharing of this revenue, a lot of commissions have
been set up to recommend acceptable formula. From 1946-1988 the
commissions were as follows.
i. The Phillipson Commission (1946)
ii. The Hicks Phillipson Commission (1951)
iii. The Chicks Commission (1953)
iv. The Raisman Commission (1958)
v. The Binns Commission (1964)
vi. The Dina’s Commission (1968)
vii. The Aboyade Technical Committee (1977)
viii. The Okigbo Commission (1980)
ix. The Danjuma Commission (1988)
The 1988 formula enjoyed the longest application by the federal government. It
was used till 1993 when the formula was altered. From this time on, there has
been nor real new revenue allocation commission set up, there has been however
only some minor adjustments here and there, some even unannounced by the
federal Government.

REVENUE ALLOCATION FORMULA IN NIGERIA

1. Derivation: It is based on the principle that a given proportion be given to those


areas where the revenue is generated or derived from.
2. Population: This formula advocates that revenue should be allocated based on
the population of the area. Meaning that the more your population, the more the
revenue you will receive.
3. Need: This formula is of the opinion that the revenue of a country should be or
allocated to each level or unit based on the needs of the area; noting that each
of the area has different needs which may require immediate attention.
4. Even Development: As the name implies, the formula is to ensure that every
areas that make up the country develops equally. As such it advocates that the
less developed areas of the state be given a certain percentage of the revenue to
enable it meet up with other developed areas so that the state can have a
uniform development.
5. National Interest: A certain percentage of the revenue is always set aside to
cater for the interest of the whole nation.
6. Minimum National Standard: This formula is of the opinion that revenue
should be shared to all component states to enable them maintained a stated
minimum standard in the performance of certain functions such as health,
education, etc.
7. Equality of all States: The formula states that equal percentage should be
allocated to all the states of the federation irrespective of size, population,
needs, level of development, etc.
8. Fiscal Efficiency: This formula is to give to states based on the previous
management of the resources given to them.

CONFLICTS OVER EACH ADOPTED REVENUE FORMULA

The federating states always quarrel over revenue allocation. Whatever formula that is
chosen will be acceptable to some areas and rejected by some areas. For instance,
when agricultural products were the major source of revenue in Nigeria, states that
produced these agricultural products were in great support of the formula of
derivation because with the formula they will get a special percentage of the revenue.
On the other hand, those areas that had little or no agricultural product rejected such
formula because it will not favour them and rather advocated for such formulae as
population, national interest, even development.

At another time, when population is considered as the accepted formula, the areas
with high population will welcome it while less populated areas will kick against it.
Based on the above mentioned challenges, it has been very difficult to solve the
problem of revenue allocation in Nigeria.

MINORITY ISSUES AND CREATION OF STATES.

The Major and Minor Ethnic Groups in Nigeria

There are three major ethnic groups in Nigeria namely: the Hausa-Fulani, Igbo and
Yoruba. The minority ethnic groups are very many and they are scattered across the
major ethnic groups. For example, some of the following minority ethnic groups exist
in Nigeria: Ijaw, Ibibio, Efik, Urhobo, Kanuri, Tiv, Nupe, etc.
Geo political zones in Nigeria

REASONS FOR THE DEMAND OF MORE STATES

There have been recurring agitations for the creation of new states and local
government in Nigeria. The following are some of the reasons for the demand for new
states:

1. Ethnic Identity: Some ethnic groups want to be on their own and have their
own government.
2. Cultural Differences: Due to cultural differences, some ethnic groups desired
to have their own states so they can govern themselves based on their culture.
3. For Development Purposes: Some ethnic groups agitate for a state due to
neglect from major ethnic group where they fall under. They demand for a
new state so they too can develop.
4. Need to Bring Government Nearer: The creation of new state will bring
government nearer to the people at the grassroots. It will encourage even
development.
5. Minority Domination: Creation of states will remove the fear of domination
of minority groups by the majority groups.
6. Revenue Allocation: Many areas demand for new states so they can partake in
the sharing of the country’s revenue.

COMPLEXITY AND ENDLESS NATURE OF STATE CREATION

Creation of states in Nigeria was carried out by military government. No civilian


regime created states except the mid-western region that was created in 1963. The
reasons are as follows:

1. Lack of accurate data: There is no correct data as to the number of people


living in a particular area. To create states, population must be taken into
consideration.
2. Lack of consensus: Within a given area, there can be great agitation for state
creation among the various groups that make up the area. This will not bring
unity of purpose.
3. Selfish desires: Creation of states could also be demanded based on selfish
interest.
4. Viability: Some of the areas demanding for state creation may not be viable
enough to generate internal revenue to manage its affairs.

THE RECOMMENDATION OF WILLINCK’S COMMISSION

1. Major political parties would have to win the support of minorities.


2. The affairs of the police should continue to be under the central government.
3. It reported that there was no need for the creation of new states as hostilities
was against the regional government and not the federal government. Also
manpower will make the creation of states difficult.
4. There should be plebiscite for Northern Nigeria
5. The fundamental human rights should be entrenched in the constitution to
safeguard the interest of the minority.
SOLUTIONS TO MINORITY PROBLEMS IN NIGERIA

1. Even Development: All parts of the country should be evenly developed. This
will make the minority group to put their confidence in the central government
2. Political Participation: Minority groups should be involved in decision
making process so that they will have a sense of belonging and this will
remove the feeling of being cheated or marginalized.
3. Revenue Allocation: when the revenue is shared, they should be given their
own share so that they can use it to develop their own areas or communities.
4. Federal Character: This policy should be implemented so that the minorities
can be fully represented in all the sectors in the state.
5. Dialogue: Opportunity should be given to the minority groups to say their
minds to the government so that there can be solutions.
6. Justice, Fair-play and Transparency: The government should be open in their
administration and there should be justice in the state.

7. Free and Fair Elections: The electoral commission should conduct free and fair elections so
that the minority will not have a reason to revolt or cause trouble in any part of the state.
WEEK 9

DATE ...................................

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT

CLASS: SS 3

TOPIC: FEDERALISM

CONTENT:

1. Inter-ethnic Rivalry and Issues of Secession

a. The Nature of Ethnic Conflicts or Rivalry in

Nigeria

b. Problems of Secession in Nigeria

c. Measures to avoid Secession in Nigeria


INTER-ETHNIC RIVALRY AND ISSUES OF SECESSION

IN NIGERIA
Inter- Ethnic rivalry: Since the inception of Nigeria, there has been rivalry among
the different ethnic groups especially the major ethnic groups of Igbo, Yoruba and
Housa- Fulani. The major problem is the question of leadership in the country. None
of them want to concede the leadership of the country to the other.

Nature of Ethnic Conflicts in Nigeria

The nature of ethnic conflicts in Nigeria is in various forms

namely:

1. Political Disturbances: Some ethnic group may

purposely cause problems in the country to

destabilize the government.

2. Destruction of Lives and Properties: Some ethnic

groups take laws into their hands by killing people

and destroying their properties to show their

displeasures to the happenings in the society.

3. Holding people as Hostages: Relatives of some

important personalities or influential members of the

society may be kidnapped and taken to an unknown

destination until a ransom is paid. This is done in

order to also show their displeasure over an issue or

issues happening in the society.


4. Boundary Disputes: Many at times, there are

communal clashes over a piece of land or

boundaries. This sometimes leads to loss of many

lives and properties.

5. Religious Disturbances: This is very rampant in

Nigeria as religious groups especially the Muslim and

Christian often embarked on religious killings over a

minute religious doctrine.

6. Bomb Blast: This is another nature of ethnic conflict

where a particular ethnic group uses bomb to destroy

the lives and properties of another ethnic group. It is

very common in Nigeria these days especially with

the religious sect called Boko Haram.

PROBLEMS OF SECESSION IN NIGERIA

Secession means a formal withdrawal by a certain ethnic

group from a federation. When an ethnic group sever its

relationship with the rest of the country through peaceful

or violent means, declaring independence from the rest.


E.g
Some ethnic group in Nigeria attempted secession. For

instance, the Northern region threatened to secede over

the issue of motion raised by Chief Anthony Enahoro, a

member of Action Group (AG). This led to the release of

eight point agenda that will make them to secede. The

Yorubas also threatened to secede over the attempt of the

Federal Government to separate Lagos from the Western

region. The Eastern part of the country seceded from the

Federation between 1967 and 1970. This led to the

Nigerian Civil War which claimed a lot of lives and

properties.

After the civil war, other groups have also agitated to

secede from the federation of Nigeria. Few include, Niger

Delta Republic, Oduduwa Republic.

MEASURES TO AVIOD SECESSION IN NIGERIA

1. Good Government: Good governance will enhance

political stability in the country. This will hinder


secession.

2. Negotiation: a peaceful way of resolving conflicts

should be adopted. One of it is negotiation where the

aggrieved parties will come together and discuss

their grievances in order to proffer lasting solutions.

3. Political Education: People should be enlightened on

the dangers of secession. This will help them to

desist from such actions that can threaten the

security of the country.

4. Political Participation: People from all ethnic groups

should be carried along in the process of decision

making in a state so that no group will feel neglected

or cheated.

5. Constitution: The Constitution of a state should

clearly state the abolition of secession and any

defaulting ethnic group or groups of person

embarking on that should face a serious disciplinary

action.

6. Equal Political Rights: The government should ensure


that every ethnic group is given equal right to get into any

leadership position in the country.

WEEK 10

DATE ...................................

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT
CLASS: SS 3

TOPIC: Development of Political Parties In Nigeria.

SUB TOPIC 1: PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)

A. FORMATION OF PDP:

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was formed by a group among the 34 eminent
Nigerians who had written a letter to General Abacha, opposing his nomination as
the sole candidate for the presidency in his transition – to – civil rule programme.
With the lifting of the political activities by General Abubakar Abdusalam (after the
death of Gen. Sanni Abacha) the majority of the group 34 initiated a political
association and named it the People’s Democratic Party. It had support from most
parts of the country. Some of the prominent members of the PDP were Dr. Alex
Ekweme, Solomon Lar Philip Abiodun Don Etiebet, Muhammedu Arzika, Isa
Mohammed, Dr John Nwodo (Jnr) Graham Douglas Olusegun Obansanjo, Major
General (rtd) David Jemibewon, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu Toni Anehih and General
Igbenedion.

The party led in the local government elections and won many councillor and local
government chairmanship seats. It also won the majority of the seats in the state and
national assemblies. In the gubernational elections, the PDP won 21 seats.

At the Federal level Obansanjo the presidential candidate of the party won and was
sworn in as Nigerian president on May 29, 1999 with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the
vice president.

B. STRCUTURAL ORGANISATION OF PDP


i. Ward congress
ii. Ward executive committee
iii. Local government executive committee
iv. Local government area congress
v. Senatorial district working committee
vi. State working committee
vii. State caucus
viii. State executive committee
ix. State congress
x. National working committee
xi. National caucus
xii. National executive committee
xiii. National board of trustees
xiv. National convention

C. SOURCES OF FINANCE OF PDP


i. Registration fee
ii. Subvention from federal government:-money given to political parties by the
government through INEC
iii. Sales of party materials e.g party flag, T Shirt etc
iv. Donations and contributions from members
v. Subscription from members(party levy)
D. OBJECTIVES OF PDP (MANIFESTOS)
i. Free and qualitative education
ii. National integration
iii.Development of agriculture
iv. Housing for Nigerian citizens
v. Rural area development
vi. To cooperate with African and other nationalist movements and organisations
working for the eradication of imperialism, neo-colorization racism and to strive
relentively towards African unity.
vii. To build a strong and egalitarians society founded on the principle of freedom,
equality and justice.
viii.To cooperate with member nations of the international organisations in promoting
their aims and regional groupings that shall be in the best interest of Nigerian and
Africa and help to find just and peaceful solution for international disputes.
ix. To promote mutual respect for and understanding of the religious, traditional and
cultural heritage of the various communities of Nigeria.
x. To ensure genuine restoration, permanent entrenchment and practice of democracy,
the rule of law, equity and social justice.
xi. To uphold the independence of the judiciary, free press, as well as freedom of speech
and association.

ACHIEVEMENT (PERFORMANCE OF THE PDP)

1. It is maintaining and preserving the integrity, unity and sovereignty of the federation.
2. It upholds the independence of the judiciary others as in objectives.
3. It sponsors and contests elections for all elective offices throughout all levels of
government.
4. It won the 1999 presidential election won governorship election in 21 states of the
federation where it controlled the majority seats in the various state assemblies. Also
national assembly as it controls more than half of the local government council areas
in Nigeria between 1999 and 2003
5. It approved the introduction and the use of Global System on Mobile (GSM)
6. It introduced Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to reduce and
enrichment through one’s official position.

It attempted to reduce unemployment and poverty by introducing various schemes


like National programme on eradication of poverty and vocational training schemes
among others.

Action Congress of Nigeria.


Party flag

FORMATION OF ACTION
CONGRESS OF NIGERIA (ACN)

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), formerly known as Action Congress (AC),
is a classical liberal Nigerian political party formed via the merger of the Alliance
for Democracy, the Justice Party, the Advance Congress of Democrats, and several
other minor political parties in September 2006. The faction was led by Chief Bisi
Akande. At the Kaduna convention by ballot; Bisi Akande succeeded Hassan M.
Zurmi as National Chairman, and Bashir Dalhatu replaced Bumi Omoseyindemi as
National Secretary.

The party controls Lagos. It is regarded as a natural successor to the progressive


politics more closely associated with Action Group and UPN led by Chief Obafemi
Awolowo in the First and Second Republics respectively. However, criticism of the
party's more pragmatic and less ideological political outlook associated with AG and
UPN, has made many argue it is less of a worthy political heir. The Party has strong
presence in the South West (5 Governors, 15 Senators and 6 State Houses), Mid-
West (1 Governor) and North Central Regions (3 Senators). Lagos, Edo, Ekiti, Kogi,
Ondo, Bauchi, Plateau, Niger, Adamawa, Oyo and Osun states by far accounts for
majority of the party's presence and discernable power base.

In February 2013 the party announced plans to merge with the Congress for
Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to form the All Progressives Congress.
The party was dissolved in April 2013 and merged into the All Progressive
Congress.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PARTY

1. To uphold and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other
laws in the Federation.
2. The attainment of political power through legitimate, democratic and constitutional
means for the purpose of cultivating an egalitarian society based on the principles of
equality, freedom and social justice.
3. To provide a purposeful and integrity driven leadership for Nigerians.
4. To promote unity and political stability by ensuring access to power and key public
offices by all sections of the country.
5. To establish conditions and structures which shall guarantee social justice, equal
opportunities, social, economic, and political freedom for the people and ensure the
general welfare of all peoples of Nigeria.
6. To defend the sovereignty of the people and the observance of open democratic
process in all organs of party, government and state.
7. To reduce poverty, want, ignorance, discrimination of all kinds, corruption, and
exploitation in our society.
8. To maintain and promote the multi religious character of Nigeria, as well as religious
tolerance and harmony.
9. To encourage the development of agriculture, commerce and industry.
10. To ensure purposeful mobilization of the creativity and resources of the people of
Nigeria for the establishment of an economic environment in which opportunities for
the fulfilment of life and the pursuit of happiness shall be open to all Nigerians; and a
fair and equitable distribution of the wealth of the Nation.
11. To promote active participation of Nigerians in the strategic sectors of the economy.
12. To create enabling environment for full and gainful employment for all Nigerians who
are able and willing to work, and to secure for workers full fruits and benefits of their
labour.
13. To provide the basic necessities of life, e.g. food, potable water, roads, security,
recreation facilities, environmental protection etc.
14.

SOURCES OF FINANCE
As in other political parties

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PARTY (ACN)

1. The ACN has recorded some relative success in its attempt to reposition the South-
West zone.
2. On its formation, in 2006, the party went on to win the Governship election in which
Chief Raji Fashola was elected Executive Governor of Lagos State.
3. ACN has now replaced the ANPP as the dominant opposition party in the National
Assembly.
4. By the outcome of 2011 election results, ACN has transited from a 1 state party to a 4
state regional dominat party, to a National political party.
5. A.C.N won 14 out of 109 senate seats and 55 out of 360 House of Representatives
seats.
6. A.C.N controlled 6 out of 36 states of the 2011 elections.

ACTION GROUP

A group of Yoruba students studying in Britain came together in 1945 and


established a cultural group called Egbe Omo Oduduwa. It later metamorphosed to a
political party called Action Group in March 1951. The founder and leader of the
party was late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Other influential members of the parties
were S.L. Akintola, Chief Shonibare, Chief Bode Thomas, Oni of Ife, Sir Adesoji
Aderemi etc.

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF AG

Membership of AG was open to individuals not below 16 years of age. The party
had branches in the Local Government ward level in each region, divisional
conference which was made up to two or more local government units, Regional
parliamentary council, regional executive committee. Federal executive council and
congress met annually. It has federal, regional and local government officers.

SOURCES OF FINANCE

1. Monthly subscription of members


2. Enrolment fees
3. Levies on the salaries of legislators and board members
4. Sale of flags, almences, handkerchiefs and either publicity materials
5. Donations.
6. Overdraft from national bank of Nigeria limited

OBJECTIVES OF AG

1. To encourage mass and qualitative education


2. To contest and win elections and control the western region
3. To challenge the political domination of NCNC in the western region.
4. To cooperate with the nationalist and all tribal organisation towards the attainment of
self-government for Nigeria.

PERFORMANCE OF AG

1. It contributed to the attainment of independence in Nigeria. It was a member of AG,


chief Anthony Enahoro, who raised a motion for self government for Nigeria by
1956. This greatly increased the agitation for self-government.
2. It won many elections in the western region.
3. It also contributed emencely to the development of the eastern region.
4. It was the first party that introduced free primary education in Nigeria in 1955 and
implemented in the western region.
5. It represented the western region in all the constitutional conferences that led to the
independence of Nigeria.
The party won many seats to become the opposition party in the eastern region and at the
federal legislative.

The All Progressive Congress (APC)

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is one of the two manor


contemporary political parties in Nigeria, along with the Prople’s
Democratic Party (PDP). Founded on 6 February 2013 from a merger
of Nigeria's three largest opposition parties, the party came to
power following the victory of party candidate Muhammadu Buhari
in the 2015 general election. This marked the first time in Nigerian
history that an opposition party unseated a governing party and
power was transferred peacefully.
Achievements of APC

In 2015, the APC won the majority of seats in the senate and the
House of Representatives , although it fell shy of winning a super
majority to override the ability of PDP to block legislation. During
Buhari's first term, waves of defections led the party to lose its
federal legislative majorities in 2018, with both senate president
Bukola Saraki and House speaker Yakubu Dogara among the dozens
of lawmakers that defected to the PDP. Nonetheless, Buhari was
reelected in the 2019 general election, which also saw the party
solidify its majorities in both chambers.

In 2023 general election, APC candidate Bola Tinubu won the


presidential election. He was declared winner by Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) polling 8,794,726 votes.

Sources of finance

1. Registration fee
2. Sales of party materials
3. Donations and contributions from members
4. Subscription from members

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