Development Of Political Parties II SS2 Government Lesson Note

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, and Yoruba traditional rulers including the late Ooni of Ife, Sir Adesoji Aderemi.

Aims And Objectives Of Action Group

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

The Contributions Of Action Group

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

MINOR POLITICAL PARTIES

UNITED MIDDLE BELT CONGRESS (UMBC)

The United Middle Belt Congress was founded in 1955 under the leadership of the late J.S. Tarka. The party concentrated its political activities in the middle belt and demanded the creation of a middle belt region out of the Northern region.

NORTHERN ELEMENT PROGRESSIVE UNION (NEPU)

The Northern Element Progressive Union was formed in August 1950 under the leadership of Late Mallam Aminu Kano. The political party was both radical and democratic.