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From Colony to Republic: Nigeria’s Political Journey Through Time__Yusuf Olatunji Mutiu

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 25th, 2025.

From Colony to Republic: Nigeria’s Political Journey Through Time__Yusuf Olatunji Mutiu

Yusuf Olatunji Mutiu

Before Nigeria gained independence in 1960, it was under British colonial rule. The British came in stages, first through trade, then through indirect rule using traditional rulers. In 1914, the Northern and Southern protectorates were joined together by Lord Frederick Lugard to form modern Nigeria.

The colonial system allowed the British to control Nigeria’s economy, education, and politics. Nigerians began to push for self-government through nationalist movements led by people like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, and Herbert Macaulay.

Elections were held and a gradual process started where Nigerians began to have more say in their government. In 1954, Nigeria became a federal system, and in 1957, the Western and Eastern regions got self-government. The Northern region followed in 1959.

Independence – October 1, 1960

On October 1, 1960, Nigeria became an independent nation. The British handed over power peacefully.

Queen Elizabeth II remained Nigeria’s official head of state.

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became the first Prime Minister.

Nnamdi Azikiwe was made the Governor-General (representative of the Queen).

First Republic (1963–1966)

In 1963, Nigeria became a republic, meaning it cut ties with the British monarchy. A new constitution was introduced.

Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe became the first President of Nigeria.

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa remained as Prime Minister.

But in 1966, the First Republic ended due to a military coup (a forceful takeover by soldiers).

*List of All Prime Ministers, Presidents, and Heads of State in Nigeria*

Prime Minister

1. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (1960–1966) – Only Prime Minister Nigeria ever had.

*Military Era & Civil War (1966–1979)*

Major-General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi (Jan–July 1966)

Took over after the first coup.

Killed in another coup the same year.

General Yakubu Gowon (1966–1975)

Took over at age 31.

Led Nigeria during the civil war (1967–1970).

Removed in a bloodless coup.

General Murtala Mohammed (1975–1976)

Popular and bold leader.

Assassinated in 1976.

General Olusegun Obasanjo (1976–1979)

Took over after Murtala.

Handed power back to civilians in 1979.

*Second Republic (1979–1983)*

President Shehu Shagari (1979–1983)

First elected President under a new constitution.

Removed by the military in 1983.

*Military Rule Again (1983–1999)*

Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (1983–1985)

Came in through a coup.

Known for discipline and war against indiscipline.

Removed by another coup.

General Ibrahim Babangida (1985–1993)

Took over from Buhari.

Introduced economic reforms.

Cancelled June 12, 1993 election results.

Chief Ernest Shonekan (Interim Government – Aug–Nov 1993)

Appointed by Babangida.

Forced out by another coup.

General Sani Abacha (1993–1998)

Ruled with strong hands.

Many human rights violations.

Died suddenly in 1998.

General Abdulsalami Abubakar (1998–1999)

Took over after Abacha’s death.

Organised elections and returned Nigeria to democracy.

*Fourth Republic (1999–Present)*

President Olusegun Obasanjo (1999–2007)

Came back as a civilian president.

Completed two terms.

President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007–2010)

Died in office in 2010.

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (2010–2015)

Took over after Yar’Adua’s death.

Lost 2015 election.

President Muhammadu Buhari (2015–2023)

Returned as a civilian president.

Completed two terms.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (2023–Present)

Sworn in on May 29, 2023.

Current president of Nigeria.

From colonial rule to a republic, from military rule to democracy, Nigeria has gone through many phases. Despite challenges, the country keeps moving forward. The journey from pre-independence struggle to modern-day democracy is a strong reminder of how Nigerians fought, led, and rebuilt their country many times.