Development Of Political Parties SS2 Government Lesson Note

NIGERIAN NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NNDP)

The Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) was formed in 1923, following the introduction of the elective principle by the Clifford constitution of 1922. It was the first political party in Nigeria and was founded by Nigeria’s father of nationalism, Herbert Macaulay. The party controlled the four elective legislative seats from 1923 to 1938. 

The Nigeria National Democratic Party (NNDP) also founded Lagos Daily News. This helped to aid political activities and campaigns of the party. The party was exclusively based in Lagos and had no national outlook as its name claimed. The party won all three seats allocated to Lagos in the legislative council in the elections of 1923, 1928 and 1933.

THE NIGERIAN YOUTH MOVEMENT

The Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) was formed in 1935. It was initially known as the Lagos Youth Movement. The objective of the National Youth Movement was complete autonomy for Nigeria. In 1938, all four elective seats in the legislative council were won by the Nigerian Youth Movement at the expense of the Nigerian National Democratic Party. Ernest Ikoli and Samuel Akinsanya were two of the party’s leaders. Internal party dispute led to the party’s destruction in 1944.

Aims And Objectives Of Nym

1. To fight for the improvement of Yaba Higher College by getting it affiliated with British University.
2. To gain independence for Nigeria.
3. To work towards the unity of Nigeria.

Achievements Of The Nigerian Youth Movement

1. It won all the three elective seats allocated to Lagos in the legislative council.
2. It acted as the first nationalist movement with a national outlook.NYM gave birth to modern nationalism in Nigeria.
3. The movement promoted Nigerian unity and national consciousness.
4. The movement established a powerful newspaper called Daily Service.
5. NYM set the machinery in motion for the political emancipation of Nigeria.

THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NIGERIA AND CAMEROON (NCNC)

The National Council of Nigeria and Cameroon (NCNC) was formed in August 1944. The first president was Herbert Macaulay and the first general secretary was Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. At the death of Macaulay, Azikiwe took over as the president. The NCNC was the first political party to be organized to seek total independence for Nigeria.

Aims And Objectives Of The NCNC

1. To achieve self-government for Nigeria.
2. To spread political education to the people.
3. To arouse the political consciousness of the masses.
4. To organize and collaborate with all its branches throughout the country.
5. To provide members with a medium of expression.

The Contributions/Achievements Of The Ncnc

1. The party encouraged the unity of Nigeria and helped in the struggle for self-government in Nigeria.
2. The party encourages Nigerians on their political rights.
3. It introduced and published the West Africa Pilot which served as a powerful platform for opposing colonial rule.
4. The party was the brain behind nationalist opposition to the 1946 Richard’s Constitution.
5. The NCNC formed the first regional government of the Eastern region and contributed greatly to its development.
6. It formed a coalition government with the NPC in 1960 and produced the first president.
7.  The NCNC raised the funds which were used in sending a protest delegation against the 1946 constitution to London.

THE NORTHERN PEOPLE’S CONGRESS (NPC)

The Northern People’s Congress (NPC) emerged from a socio-cultural group in Northern Nigeria. The party was formed in 1951 under the leadership of Sir Ahmadu Bello with Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as deputy. The party was dominated by the Hausa/Fulanis, and Islam was the main focus. It ruled northern Nigeria from 1951-1965. The party produced the first prime minister of Nigeria.

Aims And Objectives Of NPC

1. To develop the North, both politically and economically.
2. To work towards making the North autonomous
3.  To create an atmosphere for common understanding among the people of the North.
4. To help in educating the Northerners on their political rights.

Contributions Of NPC

1. It controlled and ruled northern Nigeria for several years.
2. The party produced the first prime minister of Nigeria and ruled throughout the first republic.
3. The party created an atmosphere for common understanding among the people of the North.
4. The party was involved in most of the constitutional conferences, both within and outside Nigeria.
5. The party helped to educate the people on their political rights and also increased the political awareness of the people of the North.