Quick Summary
- Founded by Chief Tunji Braithwaite on September 28, 1978
- One of five political parties registered by FEDECO for the Second Republic
- Had socialist orientation focused on workers’ and common people’s welfare
- Did not win significant electoral victories but influenced political discourse
- Dissolved when military returned to power in 1983
Formation and Founder
The Nigerian Advance Party (NAP) was established on September 28, 1978, by Chief Gani Fawehinmi Tunji Braithwaite, a prominent Lagos-based lawyer and human rights activist. Braithwaite formed NAP during Nigeria’s transition from military to civilian rule under General Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
The party was registered by the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) as one of five approved political associations allowed to contest elections in the Second Republic. The other four parties were the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Nigerian People’s Party (NPP), and Great Nigeria People’s Party (GNPP).
Party Ideology and Principles
NAP adopted a socialist ideology that set it apart from other political parties of that era. The party focused on:
- Workers’ rights: NAP championed better wages and working conditions for Nigerian workers
- Social equality: The party opposed the wide gap between rich and poor in Nigerian society
- Mass education: NAP believed free education would help ordinary Nigerians improve their lives
- Public ownership: The party supported government control of major industries and resources
- Anti-imperialism: NAP criticized foreign influence in Nigerian politics and economy
Braithwaite described NAP as “the party of the common man.” He wanted NAP to give voice to market women, bus drivers, farmers, and factory workers who felt ignored by elite politicians.
Electoral Performance
During the 1979 general elections, NAP fielded candidates for various positions but did not win any significant seats. The party performed poorly compared to the bigger parties like NPN, UPN, and NPP. Several factors limited NAP’s success:
- Limited financial resources compared to wealthy parties like NPN
- Smaller organizational structure with fewer branches nationwide
- Socialist ideology was less popular than ethnic and regional politics
- Nigerian voters in 1979 preferred established politicians with ethnic support bases
Despite poor electoral results, NAP continued as a registered party throughout the Second Republic (1979-1983). The party participated in debates and criticized government policies, especially those affecting workers and poor Nigerians.
Party Structure
NAP maintained a simple organizational structure:
- National Chairman: Chief Tunji Braithwaite
- National Executive Committee: Made key party decisions
- State chapters: Branches in several Nigerian states, strongest in Lagos
- Local government units: Grassroots organization in select areas
The party held national conventions to select candidates and discuss policy positions. However, NAP struggled to build strong presence outside southwestern Nigeria, particularly Lagos State.
Comparison with Other Second Republic Parties
| Party | Leader | Ideology | Main Support Base | Electoral Success |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAP | Tunji Braithwaite | Socialist | Urban workers, intellectuals | Very limited |
| NPN | Shehu Shagari | Conservative | Northern Nigeria, national spread | Won presidency, majority in National Assembly |
| UPN | Obafemi Awolowo | Democratic socialism | Southwestern Nigeria | Controlled 5 states including Lagos |
| NPP | Nnamdi Azikiwe | Pragmatic centrist | Southeastern Nigeria | Controlled 3 states |
| GNPP | Waziri Ibrahim | Populist | Northern minorities | Controlled 2 states |
End of NAP
The Nigerian Advance Party came to an end on December 31, 1983, when Major General Muhammadu Buhari overthrew the civilian government in a military coup. The military government banned all political activities and dissolved all political parties, including NAP.
When General Ibrahim Babangida announced a transition program in 1989, he created only two government-formed parties (SDP and NRC). Old parties like NAP were not allowed to reform. Chief Braithwaite continued his activism through other means, particularly as a lawyer defending human rights.
Common Exam Mistakes
- Confusing NAP with NPN: Students mix up Nigerian Advance Party (NAP) with National Party of Nigeria (NPN). Remember: NAP had socialist ideology; NPN was conservative and won the presidency.
- Wrong founder: Some students wrongly credit Obafemi Awolowo or Nnamdi Azikiwe. NAP was founded by Tunji Braithwaite only.
- Wrong date: NAP was founded in 1978, not 1979. The 1979 elections came after registration.
- Overstating success: NAP did not win any governorship or significant seats. Don’t claim it “controlled Lagos State” (that was UPN).
- Confusing with later parties: NAP ended in 1983. It is not related to parties formed during Babangida or Abacha eras.
Practice Questions
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Who founded the Nigerian Advance Party (NAP)?
a) Obafemi Awolowo
b) Tunji Braithwaite ✓
c) Nnamdi Azikiwe
d) Waziri Ibrahim
2. What ideology did NAP promote?
a) Capitalism
b) Conservatism
c) Socialism ✓
d) Militarism
3. In what year was NAP founded?
a) 1976
b) 1977
c) 1978 ✓
d) 1979
4. How many political parties were registered for Nigeria’s Second Republic?
a) Three
b) Four
c) Five ✓
d) Six
Essay Questions
1. Explain four features of the Nigerian Advance Party (NAP). (8 marks)
Examiner’s tip: Use one paragraph for each feature. Explain clearly, don’t just list points. Mention founder, ideology, support base, and electoral performance.
2. State three reasons why NAP did not achieve electoral success in the Second Republic. (6 marks)
Examiner’s tip: Each reason gets 2 marks. Explain each reason properly with examples. Don’t just write one sentence per reason.
3. Compare NAP with any two other political parties of the Second Republic. (10 marks)
Examiner’s tip: Choose NPN and UPN for easy comparison. Discuss ideology, leadership, support base, and electoral success for each party. Make clear distinctions.
Memory Aids
Remember NAP with “SWISS”:
- Socialist ideology
- Workers’ rights focus
- Ineffective electorally
- Second Republic party
- Started by Tunji Braithwaite (September 1978)
Five Second Republic Parties: “NAP Never Got Power Now” = NAP, NPN, GNPP, NPP, UPN
Related Topics
- Political parties in Nigeria’s Second Republic
- Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN)
- National Party of Nigeria (NPN)
- Nigerian People’s Party (NPP)
- Great Nigeria People’s Party (GNPP)
- Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO)
- 1979 general elections in Nigeria