Historical Analysis: The 1959 Nigerian Federal Election and Political Tensions
In the lead-up to the 1959 Nigerian federal election, political dynamics were marked by intense rivalries and significant shifts among key figures. Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of the Northern Region, publicly declared his intention not to seek entry into the Federal House, a move that set the stage for a complex electoral landscape. Similarly, Dr. Endeley, Premier of the Southern Cameroons, was expected to abstain from federal candidacy, reflecting broader regional strategies.
Political Realignments and Campaign Strategies
Professor Eyo Ita, a prominent member for Calabar in the Eastern House of Assembly and former leader of the United National Independence Party, made a notable decision to resign and join the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). This shift was described as an act of conscience and obedience to his constituency's chiefs and members. Professor Ita had a long history with the NCNC, serving as its first national Vice-President and holding key ministerial roles in the East from 1952 to 1953. After resigning during the Constitutional Crisis of 1953, he formed the National Independence Party, which later merged with Alvan Ikoku's faction to become the United National Party (U.N.P.). He led the opposition until March 1957, when he was displaced by S.G. Ikoku of the Action Group, and he resigned from the COR state movement in September 1959.
By October 25, 1959, political leaders were deeply engaged in election campaigns, with widespread accusations of intimidation, bribery, and hypocrisy. Each party's representatives lodged official complaints with the Governor General regarding their treatment in regions controlled by opponents. At a press conference in Lagos, Mr. K. Bovell, Inspector-General of the Nigerian Police, outlined measures to ensure fair and orderly elections, including deploying 5,000 Nigerian policemen, 1,200 L.A. police, and 6,000 Special Constables. Polling stations numbered 25,400 across the regions: 9,600 in the North, 8,000 in the East, 7,500 in the West, and 300 in Lagos, with nine million people entitled to vote.
Voter Registration and Regional Tensions
Voter registration statistics highlighted regional disparities: the Northern Region had 3,885,000 entitled to register, with 3,640,284 actual registrations (93.7%); the Eastern Region had 3,423,000 entitled, 2,598,234 actual (75.7%); the Western Region had 2,759,000 entitled, 2,653,188 actual (96.2%); and Lagos had 177,000 entitled, 144,000 actual (81.6%). In the North, the NCNC claimed attacks on supporters at Bida, while the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) accused Native Authorities of obstruction. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe expressed hope that regional rulers would address social upheaval without resorting to harsh laws and imprisonment.
Conversely, the Northern Government blamed disturbances on visiting politicians for bad manners and lack of tact. Alhaji Aliyu Makama Bida criticized Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his supporters for violating Northern traditions, describing the Action Group's helicopter campaign as expensive and unreasonable. The Sardauna of Sokoto complained of 'Action Group Hooliganism' following an NPC tour of Western Nigeria, and Alhaji Ahman Pategi, Northern Minister of Health, cited abusive language by A.G. and NEPU leaders as a main cause of disorder.
Campaign Rhetoric and Security Concerns
In the Eastern Region, Dr. Mbadiwe, leader of the Democratic Party of Nigeria and the Cameroons (DPNC), complained of NCNC hooliganism, while Chief Awolowo labeled Azikiwe a 'born Dictator.' During his tour of Northern Nigeria, Azikiwe warned NPC leaders that taxpayers were dissatisfied and common opinions were disregarded, a situation he deemed conducive to communism. He noted that allegations of hooliganism and violence were regularly exchanged among parties.
Awolowo proposed placing all Nigerian Police under the command of Inspector General Bovell, a move the NPC opposed, accusing the A.G. of trying to woo the NCNC and threatening Northern autonomy. The NCNC leaders pointed out that the A.G. had previously advocated for police regionalization.
Election Day and Results
On October 28, 1959, Governor-General Sir James Robertson dissolved the Federal Parliament, calling for an end to hooliganism in campaigning. In a broadcast, he warned of sterner police measures if violence persisted, citing incidents involving weapons at campaign meetings. Despite obstacles, politicians toured vigorously, with the Action Group's helicopter attracting attention, especially in remote areas like Adamawa and Jos, where Awolowo promoted themes such as women's votes and criticized Northern authorities.
The election on December 12, 1959, proceeded in an orderly atmosphere, with heavy polling and minimal incidents: 7,185,555 votes were cast. Results by region: Northern Region—3,258,520 votes (89.4% poll), Eastern Region—1,929,754 votes (75.3%), Western Region—1,887,209 votes (71.2%), and Lagos—110,072 votes (76.2%). All prominent leaders, including Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo, were re-elected, along with outgoing Federal Cabinet members.
Post-Election Government Formation
Governor-General Robertson praised the election's quiet and orderly conduct in a New Year broadcast. The Northern People's Congress emerged as the largest party with 142 seats, followed by the NCNC and NEPU alliance with 89, the Action Group with 72, and other parties with 9. No single party secured enough seats to govern alone, leading to difficulties in forming a government. Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, as leader of the largest party, was invited by Sir James Robertson to form a new Federal Cabinet, setting the stage for continued political negotiations.
This historical account, based on archival sources, underscores the complexities of Nigeria's pre-independence political landscape, highlighting themes of regionalism, campaign ethics, and electoral integrity that remain relevant in contemporary discussions.
