Development of Political Parties III – SS2 Government Lesson Note (Third Term)

The Second Republic parties were the political groups formed after the military government lifted the ban on party politics. They were the NPN, UPN, NPP, GNPP and PRP, and the NAP, which was registered last. This note covers the founders and leaders of each party, their aims where given, and the states they won.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. Name the political parties of the Second Republic.
2. Identify the founders and leaders of each party.
3. State the aims and objectives of the NPN, UPN and NPP.
4. Describe the contributions of the NPN, UPN and NPP.
5. Name the states controlled by each party.

What was the National Party of Nigeria (NPN)?

The NPN was officially launched in September 1978 in Lagos after the lifting of the ban on party politics. It could be seen as an offshoot of the NPC (the First Republic party). The bulk of its leaders came from the former NPC, and a few came from other parts of the country.

The leaders included: Alhaji Aliyu Makama Bida, Ali Monguno, Shehu Shagari, Adamu Ciroma and Adisa Akinloye (the party’s chairman).

Aims and objectives of the NPN

1. To develop an enviable housing scheme for all in both urban and rural settings.
2. To build a strong and united nation where contented citizens would live in peace and harmony.
3. To show respect to the provisions of the constitution.
4. To build a prosperous and self-reliant Nigeria based on a strong agricultural and industrial sector, where all Nigerians would be given equal opportunities regardless of sex, race, religion or tribe.

Contributions of the NPN

1. National party: the party had a true national colouration because its members spread to almost all parts of the country.
2. The party won the 1979 and 1983 presidential elections.
3. The party produced the first executive president for the country.
4. The party also won governorship elections in seven states of the federation.
5. The NPN, to some extent, implemented its housing scheme in all the states.
6. The party helped to produce seasoned politicians who can stand the test of time anytime and anywhere.

What was the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN)?

The UPN emerged as the first political association after the military government lifted the ban on political activities. Chief Obafemi Awolowo was its founder, leader and presidential candidate. Most of its members belonged to the Action Group of the First Republic.

Other prominent members included: Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Bisi Onabanjo and Professor Ambrose Alli.

Aims and objectives of the UPN

1. Free education at all levels.
2. Integrated rural development.
3. Free health services for all citizens.
4. Full and gainful employment for all the able-bodied.

Contributions of the UPN

1. The party won gubernatorial elections in five states in 1979 and lost one of them in the 1983 elections.
2. The UPN successfully acted as a strong opposition party that reduced the excesses of the ruling NPN.
3. The party introduced free education in all the states won by the UPN.
4. The party produced eminent politicians in Nigeria.
5. The party helped to educate the citizens through its programmes and activities, for example rallies and symposia.

What was the Nigeria People’s Party (NPP)?

Alhaji Waziri led the group of Nigerians that formed the NPP. Other members were Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya (who later became the party’s chairman), Chief Olu Akinfosile, Chief Mathew T. Mbu, Dr Obi Wali, Chief Sam Mbakwe, Chief Dominic Nwaobodo, Chief Solomon Lar and Alhaji Ado Ibrahim. Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe joined the party after its formation and later became its leader and presidential candidate.

Aims and objectives of the NPP

1. To promote and sustain the unity of Nigeria.
2. To work towards full employment of all Nigerians.
3. To work for a better standard of living by providing shelter and food.
4. To work for a secular state that upholds democracy and the rule of law and guarantees fundamental human rights.
5. To work towards a virile and self-reliant economy.

Contributions of the NPP

1. The party won gubernatorial elections and controlled three states: Imo, Anambra and Plateau.
2. The party contributed to producing prominent politicians in Nigeria.
3. The party served as a link between the government and the people.
4. The party cooperated with the ruling party in government to ensure a sustainable Second Republic administration.
5. It helped to recruit leaders to political offices in the government as well as in the parties.

What was the Great Nigeria People’s Party (GNPP)?

The GNPP was formed by Alhaji Ibrahim Waziri, a founding member of the NPP. He left the NPP after a disagreement with other members of the party caucus over the post of party chairman and presidential candidate.

Alhaji Ibrahim Waziri, the author and advocate of Politics without Bitterness, became the national leader and presidential candidate of the GNPP. The party won and controlled the states of Borno and Gongola.

What was the People’s Redemption Party (PRP)?

The PRP was formed by Mallam Aminu Kano, who became the party’s national leader and presidential candidate. The party won gubernatorial elections and controlled two states: Kano and Kaduna.

What was the Nigeria Advance Party (NAP)?

The NAP was the last party to be registered. It was formed by a Lagos lawyer, Mr Tunji Braithwaite. The party was registered after the 1979 general election and contested the 1983 elections, but it did not win the presidency or any gubernatorial election.

Evaluation

1. When and where was the NPN launched?
2. State three aims and objectives of the UPN.
3. Name the three states controlled by the NPP.
4. Why did Alhaji Ibrahim Waziri leave the NPP, and which party did he form?
5. Name the founder or leader of the UPN, the PRP and the NAP.

Assignment

1. State four contributions of the NPN to the Second Republic.
2. List the states won by the GNPP and the PRP.