Back to: History Primary 5
Hello, my brilliant Afrilearn superstar! I hope you’re feeling great today. Have you ever wondered how politics and elections started in Nigeria? Just like a class prefect election in school, Nigeria also had its first election long ago. Today, we will learn about the very first political party in Nigeria and the first time people voted to choose their leaders. Let’s go!
1923 – First Political Party in Nigeria and First Political Election
Imagine if your school had no prefects or student leaders, and suddenly, a rule was made allowing students to form groups and contest for leadership. That’s exactly what happened in Nigeria in 1923. Before this time, Nigerians had no political parties or elections under British rule. However, a man named Herbert Macaulay changed that by forming Nigeria’s first political party, the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP). This party gave Nigerians a voice in government for the first time.
That same year, Nigeria held its first-ever political election, where some people were allowed to vote and choose representatives. Even though not everyone could vote, this was the beginning of Nigeria’s journey toward democracy.
Before 1923, the British ruled Nigeria without allowing Nigerians to choose their own leaders. However, in 1922, the British colonial government introduced the Clifford Constitution, which allowed for limited elections in Lagos and Calabar. This meant that, for the first time, Nigerians could vote for a few representatives in the Legislative Council, though only a small number of people were allowed to participate.
Seeing this as an opportunity, Herbert Macaulay, known as the “Father of Nigerian Nationalism,” founded the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1923. This became Nigeria’s first-ever political party. The NNDP fought for the rights of Nigerians and participated in the first elections.
The first election in Nigeria took place in 1923 in Lagos and Calabar. However, only wealthy men who met certain conditions—such as owning property and paying taxes—were allowed to vote. Women and most Nigerians were not included in the voting process at that time. Despite these limitations, the NNDP won the elections and dominated Nigerian politics for many years.
Key Points About the 1923 Election and NNDP
- Nigeria’s first political party, NNDP, was formed by Herbert Macaulay in 1923.
- The Clifford Constitution of 1922 introduced the idea of elections.
- The first election was held in Lagos and Calabar in 1923.
- Only wealthy male Nigerians who owned property and paid taxes could vote.
- The NNDP won the election and controlled the Legislative Council for many years.
Imagine if your school suddenly announced that students could vote for a school head boy or head girl, but only students who come from wealthy families or have high grades were allowed to vote. It wouldn’t be fair, right? That’s exactly how the 1923 election was—it allowed some Nigerians to vote but left many others out.
Think of Herbert Macaulay as the first student who encouraged others to contest and vote in the school election. He formed the NNDP, just like a campaign team, and his party won the election.
Conclusion:
The year 1923 was a major turning point in Nigerian politics. Herbert Macaulay’s NNDP became Nigeria’s first political party, and the country had its first-ever election under the Clifford Constitution. Although only a small number of people were allowed to vote, this event marked the beginning of Nigeria’s political journey, leading to greater democracy in the future.
Evaluation:
- Who founded Nigeria’s first political party, and what was its name?
- What was the name of the British constitution that introduced elections in Nigeria?
- In which two cities was the first election held in 1923?
- Who was allowed to vote in the first election?
- Why was the first election not truly democratic?
You are doing an amazing job learning about Nigeria’s history! Remember, great leaders understand where they come from so they can create a better future. Keep up the great work, Afrilearn superstar! I can’t wait to see you in the next lesson. Keep shining!
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