In 1960, Nigeria gained independence from the UK, allowing them a chance at democracy. However, Nigeria’s attempt to grasp democracy ended up with 3 failed republics and the Nigerian Civil War, which took the lives of millions. So, how did Nigeria get to where they are today?
Nigeria’s 1st Republic was formed in 1960, directly after their independence. This republic was relatively stable until the mid-1960s, when violence erupted from the Igbo population through protests of inequality among the ethnic group. Then, in 1967, the eastern region of Nigeria seceded, and formed the Republic of Biafra. The Republic was headed by the Igbos and ended up igniting the Nigerian Civil War (also known as the Biafran War). This war went on until 1970, when Biafra had to surrender due to their lack of resources and militia.
*This war took the lives of so many, as the Republic of Biafra did not actually have a trained army. They had young men who they attempted to train. Furthermore, one reason that Biafra was forced to surrender was the government's economic blockade, which prevented any resources, especially food, to come in and support the Biafran population. Much of this population ended up dying due to starvation. While this war destabilized the 1st Republic, it was ultimately the 1975 coup that overthrew former president Gowon, who also led Nigeria through the Civil War.
Both Nigeria’s 2nd and 3rd Republics were short lasting, and ended with coups that were encouraged by election fraud/annulment.
In 1999, Nigeria’s 4th Republic was created (which still stands today), and it created their presidential government system. Here’s what it looks like:
Nigeria’s president can only serve 2 four-year terms, like the US. Also like the US, the president is the commander-in-chief, they are the head of both the state and government, and they have the ability to propose, veto, or sign laws. Interestingly though, the People’s Democratic Party of Nigeria created an unwritten rule, which allows for a North and South president to switch every 8 years (2 elections). This is due to the extreme regional cleavages that Nigeria has. Furthermore, Nigeria’s president is elected through a direct vote; however, to win, a presidential candidate is required to get 25% of the vote in ⅔ of the states. If this does not happen, there is another round with the presidential candidates in which the candidate with a majority will take the presidency. Along with that, the president also has his own appointed cabinet (but it must be approved by the Senate). In Nigeria, the president’s cabinet must consist of a member from each state and Nigeria’s capital, which is known as Nigeria’s Federal Character Principle. Furthermore, the president also nominates the 16 Supreme Court justices that Nigeria has. Similar to the US, Nigeria’s justices serve for life and have the power of judicial review. Each of these Supreme Court members must be approved by the Senate, which is the upper house of Nigeria’s legislature. The Senate in Nigeria consists of 109 members, allowing for 3 members per state and one from the Capital. Nigeria has 36 states. In the Senate, the term is 4 years. Then, in regards to the lower house, Nigeria’s House of Representatives consists of 360 members that also serve for 4 years. Fun fact, in the legislature, amendments can be added or changed with ⅔ approval of both houses, and ½ of the state’s approval.
Notice similarities? The Nigerian government system is actually based on the United States and our system. Their presidential system has held “strong” for 25 years now, but with the political, social, regional, and ethnic cleavages that are – and have been – invading Nigeria, it’s reasonable to ask just how strong this system is.
Works Cited
Onapajo, Hakeem. “Nigerian Politics and Government - Political Science.” Oxford Bibliographies, https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780199756223/obo-9780199756223-0361.xml. Accessed 5 November 2024.
Tattersall, Nick, and Giles Elgood. “Q+A: Nigeria's presidency and the north-south question.” Reuters, 18 September 2010, https://www.reuters.com/article/world/us/qa-nigerias-presidency-and-the-north-south-question-idUSTRE68H14J/. Accessed 5 November 2024.
“Nigeria | History, Population, Flag, Map, Languages, Capital, & Facts.” Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/place/Nigeria. Accessed 19 January 2025.
Breeley Moll
11th Grade
Rogers
Instagram- @breeley0212
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