Close Menu
AfroCaribbean Tv
  • Home
  • Live TV
  • Live Radio
  • Blog
  • General
  • Africa
    • Nigeria
    • AutoBiography
    • Lifestyle
  • Caribbean
    • Trinidad and Tobago
  • About
  • Contact
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Saturday, July 26
  • Lifestyle
  • General
  • Business
Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn VKontakte
AfroCaribbean Tv
Banner
  • Home
  • Live TV
  • Live Radio
  • Blog
  • General
  • Africa
    • Nigeria
    • AutoBiography
    • Lifestyle
  • Caribbean
    • Trinidad and Tobago
  • About
  • Contact
AfroCaribbean Tv
Home » Blog » History of Political Rule in Nigeria
Africa

History of Political Rule in Nigeria

Victor KakuluBy Victor KakuluJanuary 30, 2025No Comments3 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

History of Political Rule in Nigeria

Nigeria’s political history is marked by colonial rule, military coups, and transitions between military and civilian governments. Below is a chronological outline of Nigeria’s political evolution:


1. Pre-Colonial Era (Before 1900)

Before British colonization, Nigeria was home to various powerful kingdoms and empires, such as:

  • Kanem-Bornu Empire (9th century – 19th century)
  • Hausa-Fulani Caliphate (19th century)
  • Oyo Empire (14th – 19th century)
  • Benin Kingdom (1180–1897)
  • Igbo Traditional Societies

These societies had well-organized political structures, ranging from centralized monarchies to decentralized republican systems.


2. Colonial Rule (1900–1960)

  • 1900-1914: The British controlled different regions as separate entities: the Northern Protectorate, Southern Protectorate, and Lagos Colony.
  • 1914: The British amalgamated the Northern and Southern Protectorates into a single entity called Nigeria under Governor Lord Lugard.
  • 1946: The Richards Constitution introduced regional government structures.
  • 1954: The Lyttleton Constitution made Nigeria a federation with three regions: Northern, Western, and Eastern Regions.
  • October 1, 1960: Nigeria gained independence from Britain, with Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as the first Prime Minister and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as Governor-General.

3. First Republic (1963–1966)

  • 1963: Nigeria became a Republic, and Nnamdi Azikiwe became the first President.
  • Political Parties:
    • Northern People’s Congress (NPC) – dominated the North.
    • National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) – dominated the East.
    • Action Group (AG) – dominated the West.
  • 1966 Military Coup:
    • January 15, 1966: The first coup was led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, assassinating top politicians.
    • General Aguiyi-Ironsi became Head of State.
    • July 29, 1966: A counter-coup by Northern officers led to General Yakubu Gowon becoming Head of State.

4. Military Rule & the Nigerian Civil War (1966–1979)

  • 1967-1970: The Nigerian Civil War (Biafra War) was fought when the Eastern Region (led by Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu) attempted to secede as Biafra.
  • 1975: General Gowon was overthrown, and General Murtala Mohammed took over but was assassinated in 1976.
  • 1976-1979: General Olusegun Obasanjo ruled and transitioned Nigeria back to civilian rule.

5. Second Republic (1979–1983)

  • 1979 Elections: Alhaji Shehu Shagari (NPN) became Nigeria’s first elected President under the new U.S.-style presidential system.
  • 1983 Military Coup: General Muhammadu Buhari overthrew Shagari, citing corruption.

6. Military Rule (1983–1999)

  • 1983-1985: General Buhari imposed strict anti-corruption policies but was overthrown in 1985 by General Ibrahim Babangida.
  • 1985-1993:
    • Babangida’s regime was marked by economic reforms and political instability.
    • 1993 Elections: The June 12 election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s fairest election, was won by Moshood Abiola (MKO Abiola), but Babangida annulled the results.
    • This led to protests and forced Babangida to step down.
  • 1993-1998: General Sani Abacha ruled with an iron grip, suppressing opposition and jailing pro-democracy activists.
  • 1998-1999: General Abdulsalami Abubakar took over after Abacha’s sudden death and transitioned to civilian rule.

7. Fourth Republic (1999–Present)

Democratic Era Begins (1999-Present)

  • 1999-2007: Olusegun Obasanjo (PDP) was elected and re-elected, restoring democracy.
  • 2007-2010: Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (PDP) won but died in office in 2010. His Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan, took over.
  • 2011-2015: Goodluck Jonathan (PDP) was elected but lost in 2015.
  • 2015-2023: Muhammadu Buhari (APC) won and was re-elected in 2019.
  • 2023-Present: Bola Ahmed Tinubu (APC) became President after winning the 2023 elections.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s political history is shaped by colonial legacies, military interventions, civil conflict, and democratic transitions. Since 1999, democracy has remained stable despite challenges such as corruption, electoral disputes, and security threats.

History of Political Rule in Nigeria
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleSeveral Nigerian footballers have been nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award
Next Article Nigeria Armed Forces and Year of Origination
Victor Kakulu
  • Website

Related Posts

Amb. George Olalekan Jimoh: Passion for Peace Initiative (PPI): Shaping a Generation of Ethical Leaders and Peacebuilders in Nigeria

July 14, 2025

Late President Muhammadu Buhari: Here are ten important things to know about late President Muhammadu Buhari

July 13, 2025

Biography of Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja: Next Olubadan of Ibadan

July 9, 2025
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Our Picks

Key Past Leaders in Martinique’s Local Government

July 26, 2025

Key Areas of Manufacturing in Martinique

July 26, 2025

Here Are Some Of The Most Famous Sports People From Martinique

July 26, 2025

Notable Fashion Designers & Fashion Houses in Martinique

July 26, 2025
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
Don't Miss
About
About

AfrocaribbeanTv is dedicated to celebrating African and Caribbean culture through media. We promote diverse values and showcase vibrant lifestyles, aiming to inspire, inform, and connect communities worldwide.

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
Popular Posts

Key Past Leaders in Martinique’s Local Government

July 26, 2025

Key Areas of Manufacturing in Martinique

July 26, 2025

Here Are Some Of The Most Famous Sports People From Martinique

July 26, 2025
News Letter

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from AfroCaribbeanTv about achievers in art, design, business, etc.

Copyright © 2025. Designed for AfrocaribbeanTv.
  • Home
  • Lifestyle
  • Leisure
  • Business
  • Buy Now

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.