Civil Rule in Nigeria – Third Republic (1992-1993) Basic 6 Nigerian History Lesson Note

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Name the two political parties in the Third Republic
• Identify the presidential candidates in these parties
• Discuss the activities that led to the June 12 election
• Explain the function of Interim National Government (ING)

Content

Nigeria’s Third Republic (1992-1993): The Third Republic was Nigeria’s shortest attempt at democracy. It was planned to begin in 1992 but the transition was prolonged. The republic effectively lasted only from June to November 1993.

Background to the Third Republic: After the Second Republic collapsed in 1983, General Ibrahim Babangida took power and promised to return Nigeria to civilian rule. He initiated a long transition program that was supposed to end in 1992 but was extended several times.

Political Parties in the Third Republic:

1. Social Democratic Party (SDP)

• Ideology: “A Little to the Left” – Slightly socialist
• Symbol: Rising Sun
• Presidential Candidate: Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola
• Running Mate: Alhaji Babagana Kingibe
• Support Base: Southern Nigeria, Middle Belt, some Northern areas

2. National Republican Convention (NRC)

• Ideology: “A Little to the Right” – Slightly conservative
• Symbol: Horse and Rider
• Presidential Candidate: Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa
• Running Mate: Sylvester Ugoh
• Support Base: Northern Nigeria, some Southern areas

Unique Features of the Third Republic Transition:

1. Two-Party System

• Military government created only two parties
• This was different from First and Second Republics
• Aimed to reduce ethnic and regional politics
• Parties were supposed to be national in character

2. New Breed Politics

• Old politicians were banned from participating
• Focus on younger, educated Nigerians
• Attempt to break from past political patterns
• Fresh faces in political leadership

3. Grassroots Democracy

• Elections started from local level upward
• Ward, Local Government, State, then Federal elections
• Democratic education programs
• Mass mobilization efforts

Activities Leading to June 12, 1993 Election:

1. Transition Timeline (1986-1993)

• 1986: Political Bureau established to study transition
• 1987: Local Government elections held
• 1989: Constitution completed and parties formed
• 1990: State Assembly and Gubernatorial elections
• 1992: National Assembly elections
• 1993: Presidential election scheduled

2. Political Preparations

• Party Primaries: SDP and NRC selected candidates
• Campaign Season: Intensive campaigns across Nigeria
• Voter Education: Programs to educate citizens
• International Observation: Foreign monitors invited

3. Presidential Candidates’ Profiles

Chief MKO Abiola (SDP):

• Background: Wealthy businessman from Ogun State
• Business: Concord Group (newspapers, airlines, etc.)
• International Recognition: Friend of many world leaders
• Appeal: Pan-Nigerian politician, Muslim from Southwest

Alhaji Bashir Tofa (NRC):

• Background: Businessman from Kano State
• Business: Various commercial enterprises
• Political Experience: Active in northern politics
• Appeal: Northern conservative, represented establishment

The June 12, 1993 Presidential Election:

Election Day:

• Date: June 12, 1993
• Turnout: Very high voter participation
• Conduct: Generally peaceful and orderly
• International Praise: Observers called it Nigeria’s freest and fairest election

Results (Widely Reported):

• Winner: Chief MKO Abiola (SDP)
• States Won: Abiola won in 19 states plus FCT
• Tofa’s States: Won in 12 northern states
• Significance: Abiola, a Yoruba Muslim, won in the North and South

The Annulment:

• Date: June 23, 1993
• Reason Given: Electoral irregularities and court cases
• Real Reasons: Military establishment opposed Abiola’s victory
• Consequences: Massive protests and political crisis

Interim National Government (ING) – August-November 1993:

Formation:

• General Babangida stepped aside in August 1993
• Chief Ernest Shonekan appointed as Head of ING
• Supposed to be temporary pending new elections
• Included both military and civilian officials

Functions of the ING:

1. Transitional Administration

• Maintain law and order during crisis
• Bridge between military and civilian rule
• Implement policies for smooth transition
• Manage the political crisis caused by June 12 annulment

2. Economic Management

• Continue government business
• Implement budget and economic policies
• Manage oil revenues and foreign relations
• Address economic challenges facing the nation

3. Political Resolution

• Find solution to June 12 crisis
• Negotiate with various political groups
• Plan for fresh elections
• Manage mounting pressure for democracy

4. Security Maintenance

• Control protests and demonstrations
• Maintain national unity
• Prevent breakdown of law and order
• Coordinate with military and police

Challenges Faced by the ING:

• Legitimacy Crisis: Most Nigerians didn’t accept the government
• June 12 Protests: Continuous demands for Abiola’s recognition
• Economic Problems: Inherited financial difficulties
• Military Interference: Real power remained with military
• International Pressure: World community opposed the annulment

End of the ING:

• November 17, 1993: General Sani Abacha took power
• ING lasted only about 3 months
• Ended Nigeria’s Third Republic experiment
• Return to full military rule

Significance of June 12:

• Symbol of Democracy: Represents Nigerians’ desire for true democracy
• National Unity: Election showed Nigerians could vote across ethnic lines
• Turning Point: Marked beginning of sustained democracy struggle
• International Recognition: World acknowledged Nigeria’s democratic potential

Activities

• Create a timeline of the Third Republic transition program
• Compare the two political parties (SDP vs NRC)
• Role-play the June 12 election and its aftermath
• Discussion on why the election was considered free and fair

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How many political parties existed in the Third Republic? a) Two b) Three c) Four d) Five 
2. The SDP presidential candidate was: a) Bashir Tofa b) MKO Abiola c) Ernest Shonekan d) Ibrahim Babangida 
3. The June 12, 1993 election was: a) Cancelled before voting b) Won by Bashir Tofa c) Won by MKO Abiola but annulled d) Postponed indefinitely 
4. The Interim National Government was headed by: a) Ibrahim Babangida b) Sani Abacha c) Ernest Shonekan d) MKO Abiola 
5. The Third Republic ended in: a) 1992 b) 1993 c) 1994 d) 1995 

Homework

Write a letter to a friend explaining what happened during the June 12, 1993 election. Include: (1) Who the candidates were, (2) How the election was conducted, (3) What the results were, (4) Why it was annulled, (5) Why this event is important in Nigerian history.