Theory question 109
Nigerian FederalismSection B
How did the general elections of 1964 affect political development in Nigeria?
Show the model answer
Background: the federal election of December 1964 was contested by two alliances, the NNA (NPC and NNDP) and the UPGA (NCNC, AG and others)
The UPGA boycotted the election in many areas, especially in the East, after alleging rigging and intimidation
Constitutional crisis: President Azikiwe at first hesitated to ask Balewa to form a government
Widespread violence, arson and loss of life
Loss of confidence in the electoral body and democracy
Increased ethnic and regional hostility
Set the stage for the rigged 1965 Western Region election, the breakdown of law and order and the military coup of January 1966, which ended the First Republic
Show cause and effect, ending with the collapse of the First Republic.