THE DEVELOPMENT OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN NIGERIA II

THE NORTHERN PEOPLE’S CONGRESS (NPC)

The Northern People’s Congress (NPC) emerged from a socio-cultural group in Northern Nigeria. The party was formed in 1951 under the leadership of Sir Ahmadu Bello with Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as deputy. The party was dominated by the Hausa/Fulanis, and Islam was the main focus. It ruled northern Nigeria from 1951-1965. The party produced the first prime minister of Nigeria.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF NPC

To develop the North, both politically and economically.
To work towards making the North autonomous
To create an atmosphere for common understanding among the people of the North.
To help in educating the Northerners on their political rights.

CONTRIBUTIONS OF NPC

It controlled and ruled northern Nigeria for a number of years.
The party produced the first prime minister of Nigeria and ruled throughout the first republic.
The party created an atmosphere for common understanding among the people of the North.
The party was involved in most of the constitutional conferences, both within and outside Nigeria.
The party helped to educate the people on their political rights and also increased the political awareness of the people of the North.

EVALUATION QUESTIONS

Explain the formation of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC)
What were the aims and objectives of the party?

THE ACTION GROUP

The Action Group (AG) was formed from a Yoruba cultural association, EgbeOmoOduduwa, in 1951. Late chief Obafemi Awolowo was the founder and leader of AG. Other prominent members of the party were chief Bode Thomas, S.L. Akintola, Rewane, chief Shonibare, Yoruba traditional rulers including the late Ooni of Ife, Sir AdesojiAderemi.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF ACTION GROUP

To contest and win elections and control western region.
To challenge the political dominance of the NCNC.
To co-operate and work with other nationalists towards the achievement of independence for Nigeria.
To co-operate and strengthen all tribal organizations in the western region.

THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ACTION GROUP

It dominated Western Nigeria’s political scene for about 11 years.
Action group formed the opposition party in the House of Representatives which played the role of a watchdog.
Action group introduced free primary education in the Western region in 1955.
The party played a significant role in the nationalist struggle for the independence of Nigeria.
Action Group tried to enlighten the masses by providing political education for them.
The party was in the forefront in the agitation for the 1951 constitutional reforms.
The motion for self government was moved by Chief Anthony Enahoro in 1953. He was a member of Action Group.

EVALUATION QUESTIONS

Explain the formation of Action Group.
What were the aims and objectives of the party?

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

State the contributions of the Action Group (A.G.).
What were the achievements of NPC?
Mention the names of the founding fathers of Action Group (A.G.).
Explain the composition of the Nigerian Council of 1914.
State 5 effects of the National Congress of British West Africa.

WEEKEND ASSINGMENT

The Action Group was formed in — (a) 1952 (b) 1951 (c) 1956 (d) 1936
The Northern People’s Congress was formed under the leadership of—- (a) Nnamdi Azikiwe (b) Sir Ahmadu Bello (c) Chief Obafemi Awolowo (d) Tafawa Balewa
The first Nigerian prime minister was produced by —- (a) Action Group (b) Nigerian National Democratic Party (c) Northern People’s Congress (d) Middle Belt Congress
The Action Group was dominated by the— region (a) Western (b) Eastern (c) Northern (d) Mid- Western
___ was the main focus of the Northern People’s Congress (a) Islam (b) Christianity (c) Tradition (d) Employment

THEORY

What were the contributions of the Action Group?
What were the aims and objectives of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC)