Constitutional Matrix of the Evolution of the Nigerian Political Party System, 1914 – 1960

Abstract

One can say without fear of contradiction that no political parties were discernible
in the Nigerian traditional set-up. This is true, whether one thinks of the relatively decentralized and consensual societies of the TIV or IGBO, in which political matters are discussed at length before reaching decision binding on all; or whether, as among the BINIS and HAUSAS one recalls highly centralized, authoritarian social systems. What is said of the Nigerian ethnic groups, applies mutatis mutandis, to the British colonial system in early Nigeria. Though the British had evolved a highly sophisticated political system complete with parties before they colonized Nigeria, the colonial system until the 1920s was devoid of political parties. This being so, the question may be asked, how did political parties
become part and parcel of the Nigerian political system? Did the parties develop in response to constitutionally provided opportunities, or did they owe their origin to other sources? What part did they play or not in forcing the pace of constitutional change? These are some of the questions the paper sets out to explore. To facilitate such exploration, this author will take the major parties one after the other, and examine their origins, structure and aims, as well as their position vis-à-vis constitutional change from the time of the 1914 amalgamation until 1960, more or less. Some of the parties, small in adherence and influence will not be considered as nothing worthwhile will be gained from the exercise.

LWATI: A Journal of Contemporary Research Vol. 5 2008: pp. 259-278