As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, VICTOR ALI reflects on the nation’s journey through colonial legacies, the struggles of its founding fathers, military coups, a devastating civil war and the evolving quest for democracy. He contends that, from the lowering of the Union Jack in 1960 to today’s pressing questions of leadership, governance and electoral integrity, Nigeria’s history remains a story of resilience, setbacks and the hope for a more accountable future
Prior to 1914, the entity known as Nigeria today was a colonial enclave administered as two protectorates — the Northern and the Southern protectorates. The amalgamation of that year signalled the unification of both territories. It is worth noting that before then, the protectorates were governed differently: the North through indirect rule and the South through direct administration.
Equally important is the fact that before colonialism, the various ethnic nationalities that made up Nigeria had their own forms of government and administration. Emirs, Obas, and Obis, among others, ruled their communities with centuries-old established systems of authority.
Struggle for independence
Despite colonial conquest and administration, Nigerians began to agitate for self-rule. This agitation intensified during the 1940s and 1950s, fuelled by the wave of independence movements sweeping across Africa and other colonies. In Nigeria, this resulted in a clamour for freedom, leading to several constitutional conferences in London and a series of constitutional reviews aimed at securing independence.
Nigeria’s founding fathers — Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa, Anthony Enahoro, Alvan Ikoku and Herbert Macaulay, among others — deserve credit for their relentless struggle for independence. Of particular note was the role of the media, championed by Azikiwe and Awolowo through their newspapers, The West African Pilot and the Tribune. Other outlets also contributed immensely to sensitisation and mobilisation during the movement.
Sustained momentum, conferences and negotiations eventually paid off when Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960. Thus, the Union Jack was lowered and the Green-White-Green flag hoisted as the symbol of sovereignty. Whether or not independence was achieved on a “platter of gold” remains a subject of debate. But 65 years later, the pressing questions remain: How far has Nigeria come? How has independence impacted its citizens? What has been the scorecard of its leaders? These questions demand sober reflection.
Post-independence Nigeria: Coups, civil war
Barely six years after independence, Nigeria’s parliamentary system of government, inherited from the British, ran into crisis. While Nnamdi Azikiwe was the ceremonial President, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was Prime Minister. Political and constitutional disputes, arising largely from flawed elections and census controversies, deepened divisions.
Amidst irreconcilable differences, the military struck on January 15, 1966, in a coup led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu. It was a bloody episode that claimed the lives of key leaders, including key northern leaders – Sir Ahmadu Bello and Tafawa Balewa.
The coup opened the floodgates for a cycle of military interventions. General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi assumed power but was assassinated in a counter-coup on July 29, 1966. Colonel Yakubu Gowon then emerged as Head of State. But tensions with Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Military Governor of the Eastern Region, escalated.
Ojukwu’s declaration of the Republic of Biafra triggered the 30-month Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafra War, from 1967 to 1970. The war, one of Nigeria’s darkest moments, claimed millions of lives and destroyed vast property. At the end, Gowon declared a policy of ‘No Victor, No Vanquished’ and launched the 3Rs — Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction.
Yet, Gowon’s promise of democratic transition faltered, leading to his ouster in 1975. General Murtala Ramat Mohammed assumed power but was assassinated in 1976 during a failed coup led by Colonel Bukar Suka Dimka. His successor, General Olusegun Obasanjo, honoured the transition pledge, handing power in 1979 to Shehu Shagari, marking the Second Republic.
Democracy, military interventions, the road to 1999
The return to democratic rule in 1979 was welcomed with relief. But the Second Republic (1979–1983) was marred by electoral disputes, corruption and governance failures. Legal controversies, such as the Supreme Court’s interpretation of ‘two-thirds of 19 states’ in Obafemi Awolowo’s case against Shagari’s election, exposed constitutional weaknesses.
On December 31, 1983, the military struck again. Major General Muhammadu Buhari’s regime was defined by draconian decrees, suppression of the press and harsh economic austerity. His ‘War Against Indiscipline’ campaign sought moral reform but could not overcome the regime’s authoritarian excesses, leading to his ouster in 1985.
General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime followed, lasting eight years marked by political manoeuvres, corruption and dashed hopes. His annulment of the widely acclaimed free and fair June 12, 1993, election, won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola, threw Nigeria into further turmoil. To manage the crisis, Babangida installed an Interim National Government headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan. But this was quickly toppled by General Sani Abacha.
Abacha’s regime was brutal, defined by political repression, assassinations and blatant authoritarianism. His sudden death in 1998 paved the way for General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who oversaw elections that returned Nigeria to democracy in 1999.
Since then, Nigeria has enjoyed 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, the longest in its history. From Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration in 1999, through Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari and now Bola Ahmed Tinubu, democracy has been sustained despite numerous flaws.
Nigeria at a crossroads
While democracy is never perfect, Nigerians continue to demand reforms. Electoral processes remain fraught with irregularities, and the principle that votes must count is still in contention. Therefore, as 2027 approaches, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) faces the urgent task of restoring confidence in the electoral system.
At 65, Nigeria stands at a crossroads. It is shaped by a history of colonialism, coups, wars, and democratic struggles. Yet, it is still striving to fulfil the promise of true nationhood, as envisioned by its founding fathers 65 years ago.