Nigeria's Political Culture at 66: A Historical Overview

The article discusses Nigeria's political culture as the country marks 66 years of independence. It outlines the evolution of Nigeria's political architecture since 1960, noting that it has been modeled after Western liberal democracy, including the Westminster parliamentary system in the First Republic (1960-1966) and the presidential system from the Second Republic (1979-1983) to the ongoing Fourth Republic (1999-present).

The article critiques the current state of political parties in Nigeria, describing them as ideologically undefined and fluid, leading to practices such as "decamping." It reflects on the First and Second Republics as golden eras characterized by party discipline and commitment to ideological principles. For instance, Chief Obafemi Awolowo's Action Group and its successor, the Unity Party of Nigeria, focused on socialist principles like free education and poverty eradication.

Similarly, Aminu Kano's Northern Elements Progressive Union and its successor, the People Redemption Party, aimed at emancipating the masses from feudal repression.