DEVELOPMENT OF POLITICAL PARTIES
One peculiar feature of the development of political parties in Nigeria is that the pre existing
tribal and cultural associations, groups, trade unions e.t.c metamorphosed into political parties.
Political associations therefore metamorphose into political parties after undergoing a lot of
specified processes listed by the electoral commission.
The Clifford Constitution of 1922 which introduced the elective principle into the country paved
way for the emergence of political parties in the country.
The first set of political parties in Nigeria was primarily formed in order to awaken political
consciousness of the people so that they can control their own affairs by achieving self
government.
POLITICAL PARTIES BEFORE 1966 (FIRST REPUBLIC)
1. NNDP – NIGERIAN NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY
First political party formed in Nigeria
It came into existence with the elective principle introduced by the Clifford Constitution of
1922
It was led by Herbert macaulay who was regarded as the fatherof Nigerian nationalism
It was based in Lagos and won all the three seats allocated to Lagos in the legislative council
in the elections of 1923, 1928, 1933.
The party also won elective seats in lagos town Council.
It dominated the politics of Lagos for about 15 years because it was the only political party
The party was financed by its leaders
The political activities and campaigns were aided by a Newspaper called DAILY NEWS
launched in 1925 which also acted an arm of the party.
2. NYM- Nigerian YOUTH MOVEMENT
It was formed in 1935
It was formerly known as Lagos Youth Movement and that was established in 1934
It was formed by a grouo of young Nigerians led by Ernest Okoli, Samuel Akinsanya and Dr.
J.C Vaughan.
It became a serious contender to NNDP
The movement acquired national outlook and became a strong national movement when
Nnamdi Azikwe and H.O Davies joined them.
Obafemi Awolowo, Samuel Akintola were also members of the movement.
Membership was open to all Nigerians especially those resident in Lagos.
Branches were established in important centres throughout Nigeria in a bid to achieve its
objectives of promotion of national unity and national consciousness.
The movement collapsed due to theintense internal rivalry of its leaders
AIMS OF NYM
To fight for the improvement of the status of Yaba Higher College( Now Yaba College of
Technology) by getting it affiliated to any British University.
To gain Independence for Nigeria
To seek a change in the policy of recruitment into the civil service so that civil service posts
will not be filled by just white officials
ACHIEVEMENT
NYM defeated NNDP in 1938 by winning all the three elected seats allocated to Lagos in the
legislative council.
It was the first party to have a National outlook
It gave birth to modern nationalism in Nigeria.
It promoted Nigerian unity and national consciousness.
It established a newspaper called DAILY SERVICE
It set the machinery in motion for the political emancipation of Nigeria.
3. NCNC-THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE NIGERIA AND THE CAMEROON
It was formed in August 1944
The name was later changed to National Convention of Nigerian citizen in 1960.
Herbert Macaulay was the first leader and Dr Nnamdi Azikwe, the general secretary and he
later became the president of the party after the death of Herbert Macaulay in 1946.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF NCNC
To achieve self government
To spread political education to the people
To arouse political consciousness of the masses
To establish a platform as a medium of expression in order to achieve social equality,
economic security, religious tolerance e.t.c
CONTRIBUTIONS OF NCNC
It formed a coalition government with the NPC in 1960 and produced the first president
The NCNC was tagged the masses party because of its significant contributions
It formed the first regional government of Eastern region and contributed greatly to its
development
The party played significant roles at the constitutional conferences that led to the
independence of Nigeria.
The party was the brain behind nationalists opposition to the1946 Richards Constitution
and also raised the funds which were used in sending protest delegation to London
It educated Nigerians on their political rights
The party encouraged the unity of Nigerians and was foremost in the struggle for self
government.
It introduced and published the West Africa Pilot which served as a powerful platform for
opposing colonial rule.
The NCNC worked in agreement with the NPC in creating Mid western region out of the
then Western region in 1963.
