From 1966 to 1999, Nigeria experienced a tumultuous political landscape characterized by military coups, civil unrest, and various attempts at democratic governance. Below is a summary of key events and developments during this period:
1. First Republic (1960-1966)
- Nigeria gained independence from British rule on October 1, 1960.
- The First Republic was characterized by political instability, ethnic tensions, and corruption.
- The major political parties were primarily ethnically based, leading to fragmentation and political gridlock.
2. Military Coups and Civil War (1966-1970)
- In January 1966, a coup led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu ousted the elected government of Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
- A counter-coup in July 1966 resulted in the assassination of key political leaders and the rise of General Yakubu Gowon as the head of state.
- Ethnic tensions, particularly between the Igbo and Hausa-Fulani, escalated, leading to the Nigerian Civil War (also known as the Biafran War), which lasted from 1967 to 1970. The conflict arose primarily from the attempted secession of the southeastern region (Biafra) led by Colonel Ojukwu.
3. Military Rule under Gowon (1970-1975)
- After the civil war, Gowon focused on national reconciliation and rebuilding the war-torn country.
- Promised a transition to civilian rule but delayed it, which contributed to dissatisfaction.
4. General Murtala Muhammad's Regime (1975-1976)
- In July 1975, General Murtala Muhammad overthrew Gowon.
- His government initiated policies to combat corruption and sought to return the country to civilian rule.
- Muhammad was assassinated in a failed coup in February 1976, and General Olusegun Obasanjo succeeded him.
5. Obasanjo's Government (1976-1979)
- Obasanjo continued the push for a return to civilian rule and organized elections.
- The Second Republic was established in October 1979, with Shehu Shagari elected as president.
6. Second Republic (1979-1983)
- The Second Republic faced similar issues as the First, including corruption, economic difficulties, and allegations of electoral malpractice.
- The administration was overthrown in a military coup in December 1983 by General Muhammadu Buhari.
7. Buhari’s Regime (1983-1985)
- Buhari's regime imposed strict measures, including curbing press freedoms and political dissent.
- A coup in August 1985 led to the ousting of Buhari by General Ibrahim Babangida.
8. Babangida’s Regime (1985-1993)
- Babangida introduced political reforms, including the establishment of political parties.
- Despite holding elections in 1993, the results were annulled, leading to widespread protests and calls for a return to democracy.
9. Interim National Government (1993)
- An interim government was established under Ernest Shonekan, but it was short-lived due to another military coup led by General Sani Abacha.
10. Abacha’s Rule (1993-1998)
- Abacha's regime was known for human rights abuses, suppression of dissent, and corruption.
- He died in June 1998, leading to a transition period.
11. Transition to Democracy (1998-1999)
- Following Abacha's death, General Abdusalami Abubakar took over, initiating a process to return to civilian rule.
- A new constitution was adopted, and elections were held in 1999, marking the end of military rule.
Return to Civilian Rule (1999)
- Olusegun Obasanjo was elected president, beginning the Fourth Republic, which continues to the present.
Conclusion
The political history of Nigeria from 1966 to 1999 was marked by a struggle between military and civilian rule, highlighting deep-rooted ethnic and regional divisions, economic challenges, and ongoing issues of governance and democracy. The transition to civilian rule in 1999 was considered a significant step towards stability and democratic governance in Nigeria.