Quick Summary
- Nigeria returned to civilian rule on October 1, 1979, under President Shehu Shagari
- Five political parties were registered: NPN, UPN, NPP, GNPP, and PRP
- The 1979 Constitution introduced a presidential system replacing the parliamentary system
- Economic problems, corruption, and political violence plagued the republic
- Military intervention on December 31, 1983, ended the Second Republic after just four years
Transition from Military to Civilian Rule
After General Murtala Mohammed was assassinated in 1976, General Olusegun Obasanjo continued the transition program. The military government wanted to avoid the mistakes of the First Republic.
A Constituent Assembly was set up in 1977 to draft a new constitution. The assembly included representatives from all states. After much debate, they produced the 1979 Constitution, which borrowed heavily from the United States presidential system.
The Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) was created to conduct elections. Justice Ovie-Whiskey served as its chairman. FEDECO’s job was to register political parties and organize free and fair elections.
Formation of Political Parties
When political activities resumed, about 52 associations applied to become political parties. FEDECO reviewed their applications carefully. To be registered, each party had to meet strict requirements. They needed offices in at least two-thirds of all states. Their constitutions had to reflect Nigeria’s federal character.
FEDECO registered only five political parties in 1979:
1. National Party of Nigeria (NPN): Led by Alhaji Shehu Shagari, this party had strong support in the North and parts of the South. It was seen as a continuation of the old Northern People’s Congress (NPC). The NPN promoted national unity and controlled the federal government.
2. Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN): Chief Obafemi Awolowo led this party, which dominated the Western states (Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Bendel, and Lagos). The UPN focused on free education, free healthcare, and full employment. It was popular among Yorubas and had socialist ideas.
3. Nigerian People’s Party (NPP): Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe headed this party, which had strength in the Eastern states (Anambra, Imo, Plateau). The NPP later split, weakening its influence.
4. Great Nigerian People’s Party (GNPP): Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim led this party after breaking away from the NPP. It controlled Borno and Gongola states. The GNPP criticized the dominance of big parties.
5. People’s Redemption Party (PRP): Mallam Aminu Kano led this radical party with support in Kano and Kaduna states. The PRP championed the rights of talakawa (common people) and opposed feudalism in the North.
In 1982, a sixth party, the Nigerian Advance Party (NAP), was registered but had little impact.
The 1979 Elections
FEDECO organized elections in July and August 1979 for various positions. The elections followed this order: Senate, House of Representatives, State Houses of Assembly, Governorship, and finally Presidential elections.
The presidential election on August 11, 1979, was the most controversial. Alhaji Shehu Shagari of the NPN received the highest votes (5.69 million), but there was confusion about whether he met the constitutional requirement.
The constitution stated a candidate must win a majority of votes cast AND at least 25% of votes in two-thirds of all states. Nigeria had 19 states, so two-thirds meant 12.67 states. This raised a question: Did Shagari need 25% in 12 states or 13 states?
Shagari won clearly in 12 states and got about 20% in Kano state (12.67 states). Chief Awolowo of the UPN challenged this result in court. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Shagari, accepting that two-thirds of 19 is 12.67, not 13. Many saw this decision as politically influenced.
Shagari’s First Term (1979-1983)
On October 1, 1979, General Obasanjo handed over power to President Shehu Shagari. Dr. Alex Ekwueme became Vice President. This marked the end of 13 years of military rule.
Shagari inherited a booming economy from the oil wealth of the 1970s. His government launched several ambitious projects. The Green Revolution program aimed to make Nigeria self-sufficient in food production. Low-cost housing projects were built across the country. The government also invested in education and health.
However, problems soon emerged. The NPN controlled only seven of 19 states. Other parties controlled state governments, creating conflicts between federal and state authorities. The principle of federal character (balancing appointments by state/ethnicity) sometimes led to appointing unqualified people.
Key Features of the 1979 Constitution
The Second Republic operated under a new constitution that differed significantly from the First Republic’s Westminster model:
Presidential System: The president was both head of state and head of government, with fixed four-year terms. This replaced the prime minister system.
Separation of Powers: Executive, legislative, and judicial branches were clearly separated. The National Assembly comprised a Senate and House of Representatives.
Federal Character: Government appointments and positions had to reflect Nigeria’s diversity. This aimed to prevent ethnic domination.
Fundamental Rights: The constitution guaranteed rights to life, dignity, freedom of expression, and fair hearing. However, these rights could be limited by law.
Independent Judiciary: Courts could review government actions and declare laws unconstitutional. This strengthened the rule of law.
Problems of the Second Republic
Despite the promising start, the Second Republic faced severe challenges:
Massive Corruption: Government officials looted public funds openly. The phrase “the country’s money is nobody’s money” became common. Ministers and governors built mansions and bought expensive cars. Little money reached ordinary citizens or development projects.
Economic Decline: Oil prices fell sharply in the early 1980s, reducing government revenue. Nigeria borrowed heavily to maintain spending. The naira lost value. Inflation made food and goods expensive. Unemployment rose as factories closed.
Political Violence: Elections were marred by rigging, thuggery, and killings. The 1983 elections were especially violent. In some areas, ballot boxes were snatched or stuffed with fake votes. Opponents attacked each other’s rallies.
Inter-Party Conflicts: Parties fought bitterly rather than cooperating for national development. The NPN used federal power to undermine opposition governors. Opposition parties boycotted some legislative sessions.
Religious Tensions: A proposal to include Sharia courts in the constitution caused heated debates. Christians feared Islamic law would be imposed nationwide. Muslims felt their rights were being denied.
The 1983 Elections
Elections were held in 1983 for another four-year term. The campaigns were intense and often violent. The NPN was determined to win more states. Opposition parties accused the government of planning to rig the elections.
FEDECO declared the NPN victorious in the presidential election and increased its control from 7 to 12 states. President Shagari won re-election with Dr. Ekwueme as his running mate again.
However, the elections were widely seen as fraudulent. In some states like Ondo and Oyo, the NPN was declared winner despite UPN’s clear popularity. Protests erupted across the country. Many Nigerians lost faith in democracy.
The End of the Second Republic
On December 31, 1983, the military struck again. Major General Muhammadu Buhari led a coup that overthrew Shagari’s government. The coup was bloodless – no shots were fired.
The military gave several reasons for the takeover. They cited massive corruption, economic mismanagement, rigged elections, and breakdown of law and order. Most Nigerians welcomed the coup, tired of corrupt politicians.
President Shagari and Vice President Ekwueme were arrested and detained. The National Assembly was dissolved. State governors were removed from office. The 1979 Constitution was suspended, and military rule returned.
Comparison: First Republic vs. Second Republic
| Feature | First Republic (1960-1966) | Second Republic (1979-1983) |
|---|---|---|
| System of Government | Parliamentary (Westminster model) | Presidential (American model) |
| Head of Government | Prime Minister | President |
| Number of Regions/States | 3 regions (later 4) | 19 states |
| Number of Parties | 3 major parties (NPC, NCNC, AG) | 5 major parties (NPN, UPN, NPP, GNPP, PRP) |
| Electoral Body | Electoral Commission | FEDECO |
| Duration | 6 years (1960-1966) | 4 years (1979-1983) |
| How it Ended | Military coup (January 1966) | Military coup (December 1983) |
| Main Problems | Regionalism, census crisis, election rigging | Corruption, economic decline, rigged elections |
Common Exam Mistakes
WAEC examiners report these frequent errors:
- Confusing the five parties: Learn each party’s leader, stronghold, and ideology. Don’t mix up NPN and NPP
- Wrong election date: Presidential election was August 11, 1979; handover was October 1, 1979
- Stating only four parties: Five parties were registered in 1979 (NPN, UPN, NPP, GNPP, PRP), plus NAP in 1982
- Vague reasons for collapse: Don’t just say “corruption.” Explain specific problems like rigged 1983 elections, falling oil prices, political violence
- Mixing First and Second Republics: Remember First Republic had regions and parliamentary system; Second had states and presidential system
- Not explaining constitutional controversy: The 12.67 states issue in 1979 election is a key point examiners expect
Practice Questions
Multiple Choice Questions
1. How many political parties were registered by FEDECO in 1979?
a) Three
b) Four
c) Five ✓
d) Six
2. Who was the first President of the Second Republic?
a) Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe
b) Chief Obafemi Awolowo
c) Alhaji Shehu Shagari ✓
d) Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim
3. When did military rule end and the Second Republic begin?
a) January 15, 1979
b) August 11, 1979
c) October 1, 1979 ✓
d) December 31, 1979
4. Which party controlled the federal government during the Second Republic?
a) UPN
b) NPN ✓
c) NPP
d) GNPP
Essay Questions
1. Explain five problems that led to the collapse of the Second Republic. (10 marks)
Examiner’s tip: Each problem needs clear explanation with examples. Mention corruption (with specific cases), economic decline (oil price fall), rigged 1983 elections, political violence, and inter-party conflicts. 2 marks per point.
2. Compare the First Republic and Second Republic in Nigeria. (8 marks)
Examiner’s tip: Use point-by-point comparison. Cover system of government (parliamentary vs. presidential), structure (regions vs. states), duration, and how each ended. Award marks for clear comparisons, not just listing facts.
3. Describe the five political parties that were registered in 1979. (10 marks)
Examiner’s tip: For each party, state the name, leader, areas of strength, and main ideology or policies. 2 marks per party.
Memory Aids
- Five parties: “Never Use New Green Pants” = NPN, UPN, NPP, GNPP, PRP
- NPN states won (first term): Remember they won 7 states initially, then claimed 12 in rigged 1983 elections
- Party leaders: “Shagari-NPN, Awolowo-UPN, Azikiwe-NPP, Waziri-GNPP, Aminu-PRP”
- Key dates: “Election 8/79, Handover 10/79, Overthrow 12/83”
- Constitutional controversy: “Two-thirds of 19 = 12.67 states” (helped Shagari win)
Related Topics
- The First Republic (1960-1966)
- Military Rule in Nigeria (1966-1979 and 1983-1999)
- The 1979 Constitution and Presidential System
- Political Parties in Nigeria
- Electoral Systems in Nigeria