THE DEVELOPMENT OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN NIGERIA

NIGERIAN NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NNDP)

The Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) was formed in 1923, following the introduction of the elective principle by Clifford constitution of 1922. It was the first political party in Nigeria and was founded by Nigeria’s father of nationalism, Herbert Macaulay. The party controlled the four elective legislative seats from 1923 to 1938.

The Nigeria National Democratic Party (NNDP) also founded Lagos Daily News. This helped to aid political activities and campaigns of the party. The party was exclusively based in Lagos and had no national outlook as it name claimed. The party won all the three seats allocated to Lagos in the legislative council in the elections of 1923, 1928 and 1933.

THE NIGERIAN YOUTH MOVEMENT

The Nigeria Youth Movement (NYM) was formed in 1935. It was initially known as Lagos Youth Movement. The objective of the National Youth Movement was complete autonomy for Nigeria. In 1938, all the four elective seats in the legislative council were won by the Nigerian Youth Movement at the expense of the Nigerian National Democratic Party. Ernest Ikoli and Samuel Akinsanya were two of the party’s leaders. Internal party dispute led to the party’s destruction in 1944.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF NYM

To fight for the improvement of Yaba Higher College by getting it affiliated to British University.
To gain independence for Nigeria.
To work towards the unity of Nigeria.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE NIGERIAN YOUTH MOVEMENT

It won all the three elective seats allocated to Lagos in the legislative council.
It acted as the first nationalist movement with a national outlook.
NYM gave birth to modern nationalism in Nigeria.
The movement promoted Nigerian unity and national consciousness.
The movement established a powerful newspaper called Daily Service.
NYM set the machinery in motion for the political emancipation of Nigeria.

EVALUATION QUESTIONS

Explain the formation of the Nigerian National Democratic Party( NNDP)
State the aims of the Nigerian Youth Movement.

THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NIGERIA AND CAMEROON (NCNC)

The National Council of Nigeria and Cameroon (NCNC) was formed in August1944. The first president was Herbert Macaulay and the first general secretary was Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. At the death of Macaulay, Azikiwe took over as the president. The NCNC was the first political party to be organized to seek total independence for Nigeria.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE NCNC

To achieve self government for Nigeria.
To spread political education to the people.
To arouse the political consciousness of the masses.
To organize and collaborate with all its branches throughout the country.
To provide members with a medium of expression.

THE CONTRIBUTIONS/ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE NCNC

The party encouraged the unity of Nigeria and helped in the struggle for self government in Nigeria.
The party encourages Nigerians on their political rights.
It introduced and published the West Africa Pilot which served as a powerful platform for opposing colonial rule.
The party was the brain behind nationalist opposition to the 1946 Richard’s Constitution.
The NCNC formed the first regional government of Eastern region and contributed greatly to its development.
It formed coalition government with NPC in 1960 and produced the first president.
The NCNC raised the funds which were used in sending protest delegation against 1946 constitution to London.

EVALUATION QUESTIONS

Explain the formation of NCNC.
What were the aims and objectives of NCNC?

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

Explain the origin of NNDP.
Who were the founding fathers of NYM?
Enumerate the contributions made by the NCNC.
Discuss 5 internal factors that gave rise to nationalist movement in Nigeria.
Highlight 5 factors that gave rise to slow nationalist movement in French West Africa.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

The first political party in Nigeria was established by —- (a) Ernest Ikoli (b) Herbert Macaulay (C) Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (d) Obafemi Awolowo
The Nigeria National Democratic Party was formed in —- (a) 1923 (b) 1925 (c) 1942 (d) 1950
The first political party to seek for the independence of Nigeria was —- (a) NCNC (b) NNDP (c) NYM (d) UPN
The Nigerian Youth Movement was formally known as —- (a) People’s party (b) United party (c) Lagos Youth Movement (d) Progressive Front
One of the following was the founding father of the NYM (a) Herbert Macaulay (b) Samuel Akinsanya(c) ObafemiAwolowo (d) Tafawa Balewa

THEORY

What were the achievements of the Nigerian Youth Movement?
What contributions did NCNC make to the political development of Nigeria?