From last week continues the story of the first attempt to make Nigeria a one-party structure in 1965 following developments in the Mid-West Legislature. Chief James Otobo led members of the opposition Mid-West Democratic Front to join the NCNC government. He subsequently announced the dissolution of his party.

He said the MDF members chose unity not disorder. He also said he was a believer in the one-party system of government. “It is natural, it is African, it is efficient.” He said the fusing of the parties would ensure stability, progress and development of the Region. 

Chief Otobo who died on September 11, 2011 at St Mary’s Hospital in London was a colourful politician. He played a key role in the creation of Mid-Western Region in June 1963.  His hometown Uzere, formerly known as “Uzei”, is located in the Isoko South Local Government Area, LGA, of Delta State of Nigeria. It has become one of the largest petroleum oil producing communities in Nigeria. Oil exploration started in Uzere in 1957. Uzere has two oil fields (Uzere West and Uzere East) with a total of 43 oil wells producing about 53,000 barrels per day (8,400 m3/d). Uzere has nine communities: Uhei, Ezede, Uweye, Afikioko (London Base), Uhroko (Paris), Ekregbesi, Abale, Iwre-Ezede, and Iboro. Chief Otobo later rose to become Deputy Premier of the Mid Western Region. As flamboyant as he was, Chief Otobo’s attempt failed. 

The only Action Group member was absent from the House, one MDF member, Chief Okotako Enahoro, remained in opposition bench. A few months later on January 15, 1966, the army took over power and it was not until September 1978 that political parties were formed. 

The Unity Party of Nigeria was launched on September 22, 1978 under the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, while the Nigerian Peoples Party with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was launched on the same day. The NPP was made up of three groups, namely: the National Union Council, Club 19 and the Council for National Unity and Progress. The following were the officers of the party at that time. They included Mr. Solomon Lar, Mr. Matthew Mbu, Chief J. Edewor, Alhaji Yusufu Dan Tsoho, Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya, Dr. Obi Wali and Mr. Joe Asogwa. Others included Alhaji Ado Ibrahim, Dr. Ben Nzeribe, Alhaji Megida Lawal, Chief Theophilus Benson, Chief Basil Okwu, Mr. Paul Unongo, Dr. Omo Omoruyi, Chief Kolawole Balogun, Mr. Sam Mbakwe, Chief Olu Akinfosile, Chief Samuel Onitiri and Alhaji Jafaru Mango.  

The Nigeria Advance Party was launched by Mr. Tunji Braithwaite on September 28, 1978. At the launching ceremony at Okesuna, Lagos Island, the following were present: Chief F.O. Moore, Alhaji Abdullahi Joseph, former secretary of Ilorin Talaka Parapo, Mr. Isaac Kpum; Mr. F. Mordi, Alhaji Sheru Danladi, Pastor B.K. Audu, Alhaji Umaru Dembo, Mr. F.O. Etim and Prince Bashari Aminu. 

The People’s Redemption Party headed by Alhaji Aminu Kano and the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, with Alhaji Shehu Shagari as the presidential candidate, were later launched. 

There was also the Great Nigeria Peoples Party, GNPP, headed by Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim (26 February 1926 – 1992). 

In October 1979, the ruling party, NPN, had the president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari and seven governors, while the UPN had five governors, the NPP had three, the GNPP had two and the PRP had two. 

After the October elections in 1983, the NPN retained the President with five more governors. 

There were no political parties from December 31, 1983 when General Muhammadu Buhari took over power till he was overthrown by General Ibrahim Babangida on August 27, 1985.  

On October 7, 1989, the then Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, addressed the nation during which he decreed the existence of two parties in Nigeria: the Social Democratic Party, SDP, and the National Republican Convention, NRC. 

According to him: “By this decision, the AFRC has declared its acceptance of the principles of a grassroots democratic two-party system. It is our belief that the system shall: provide a grassroots basis for the emergence of political parties, establish a grassroots or mass platform for the emergence of new leadership, give equal rights and opportunities to all Nigerians to participate in the political process irrespective of their wealth, religion, geo-political backgrounds and professional endeavours, de-emphasise the role of money in politics, reduce, to a minimum level, the element of violence in our electoral process, preclude the emergence of political  alliances along the same lines as in the First Republic and, therefore, give Nigerians a new political structure within which to operate.

“It shall also ensure the emergence of a new, more dedicated and more genuine leadership cadre, which will not be a more proxy for old political warlords, chart a new pattern of political recruitment and participation which will enhance Nigeria’s stability, establish strong instructional structures which not only sustain future governments, but also be strong enough to stand the test of time and finally establish a political system that will be operated according to the spirit and letter of the Constitution of the Federal Republic”. 

By annulling the June 12, 1993 presidential election, General Babangida himself annulled his two party structure in Nigeria. On June 26, 1993, in a broadcast to the nation, he regretted the annulment. He said: “I feel, as I believe you yourself feel, a profound sense of disappointment at the outcome of our last efforts at laying the foundation of a viable democratic system of government in Nigeria”. 

To be concluded