Development of Political Parties in Nigeria Government SS 3

WEEKLY LESSON NOTE FORMAT

WEEK 1

Topic: Development of Political Parties in Nigeria

Sub-topics:

1. Nigeria National Democratic Party (NNDP)
2. Nigeria Youth Movement (NYM)
3. National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC)

CONTENT

1. Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP)

Origin:

• Founded on June 24, 1923 by Herbert Macaulay, making it the first political party in Nigeria.
• Supported by the Lagos Daily News as its media organ.
• Focused solely on Lagos, with no branches in other regions.

Organizational Structure:

• Regional and administrative structure centered in Lagos.
• Executive committee coordinated its activities.

Sources of Finance:

1. Leaders’ personal contributions.
2. Support from Lagos market women.
3. Donations from the Oba of Lagos.

Objectives:

• Attain self-government for Lagos.
• Promote fair elections and political education.
• Represent Lagos in the legislative council effectively.

Achievements:

1. Won elections in Lagos (1923, 1928, 1933).
2. Fostered the establishment of other political movements.
3. Introduced elective representation in colonial politics.

2. Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM)

Origin:

• Formed in 1934 by Lagos-based nationalists like Ernest Ikoli, H.O. Davies, and J.C. Vaughan.
• Initially Lagos-focused, it became national by 1936 when other Nigerians, including Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, joined.

Organizational Structure:

• Headed by a president with a national executive committee.
• Urban branches and congress meetings.

Sources of Finance:

1. Membership levies.
2. Donations from individuals.
3. Loans from financial institutions.

Objectives:

• Create a united Nigerian nation.
• Advocate for higher educational opportunities and fair wages for Africans.
• Push for autonomy within the British Empire.

Achievements:

1. Won elections in Lagos (1938).
2. Introduced nationalism in Nigeria.
3. Established “Daily Service” for political awareness.

3. National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC)

Origin:

• Formed in 1944, initiated by Herbert Macaulay and supported by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
• Expanded to include Cameroonians before becoming the National Convention of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC) in 1960.

Organizational Structure:

• National executive committee with regional and divisional headquarters.
• Annual conventions to drive its agenda.

Sources of Finance:

1. Overdrafts from African Continental Bank.
2. Membership dues and levies.
3. Donations and affiliation fees.

Objectives:

• Secure self-governance for Nigeria.
• Promote political consciousness and education.
• Advocate for equality and social justice.

Achievements:

1. Played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s independence.
2. Established University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
3. Dominated Eastern Nigerian politics under Dr. Michael Okpara.

EVALUATION QUESTIONS

1. What year was the NNDP founded, and by whom?
2. Mention two sources of finance for the NYM.
3. State three objectives of the NCNC.
4. Highlight two achievements of the NNDP.
5. What lessons can be drawn from the development of early political parties in Nigeria?

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

Objective Test:

1. The first political party in Nigeria was (a) NCNC (b) NYM (c) NNDP (d) PDP.
2. Who was the leader of the NNDP? (a) Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (b) Herbert Macaulay (c) Obafemi Awolowo (d) Ernest Ikoli.
3. Which year was the NYM established? (a) 1923 (b) 1934 (c) 1944 (d) 1938.
4. The NCNC was renamed in 1960 to (a) PDP (b) APC (c) National Convention of Nigerian Citizens (d) National Democratic Coalition.
5. Which political party introduced elective principles in Nigeria? (a) NNDP (b) NCNC (c) PDP (d) NYM.

Answers:

1. (c) NNDP
2. (b) Herbert Macaulay
3. (b) 1934
4. (c) National Convention of Nigerian Citizens
5. (a) NNDP

REFERENCE MATERIALS

• Government for Senior Secondary Schools Book 3 by Oyeleye & Oyediran (Pages 11-14).
• Lagos State Government-approved Scheme of Work.