Nigeria’s Constitutional Crossroads: How Regionalism Shaped a Nation’s Politics

The mid-20th century was a period of profound constitutional experimentation in Nigeria. The 1946 Richards Constitution marked a decisive turn by devolving power to regional councils, each dominated by traditional rulers and local elites. This arrangement institutionalized regionalism, recognizing Nigeria’s diversity but also hardening divisions.

In the north, the House of Chiefs formalized the emirate system’s political authority, contrasting with the more fragmented traditional structures in the south. Legislative councils were required to rotate meetings among regional capitals, a symbolic effort to balance power but also a recognition of the centrifugal forces at play.

Electoral systems were complex and restrictive, involving multiple tiers of indirect voting that limited broad participation, especially among women. This system tended to reinforce elite control and ethnic loyalties rather than foster inclusive democracy.

Political parties emerged along ethnic and regional lines: the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) championed northern interests, the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC) dominated the east, and the Action Group (AG) rallied the west. This tripartite division reflected the challenges of forging a national identity amid deep cultural differences.

These constitutional reforms set the stage for Nigeria’s independence but also sowed seeds of future conflict. The balance between regional autonomy and national unity remained fragile, with leaders debating fiercely over federalism’s shape and scope.

Next, we explore Nigeria’s independence, the hopes it inspired, and the early political challenges that foreshadowed future turmoil.