Category: History

I wasn’t born during the First Republic. I’ve only read about Nnamdi Azikiwe, Tafawa Balewa, and that brief taste of democracy before the soldiers took over. I missed the Second Republic as well. The Shehu Shagari years, when the hope that returned after long military rule was crushed yet again by corruption, election rigging, and poverty.

But I was alive even as a child during the Third Republic. I recall vividly people talking in hushed tones about a man who could finally fix Nigeria. That moment felt different. Even as a kid, I could sense the tension, the excitement, the possibilities. But like a candle blown out by the wind, it didn’t last.

When Did the Third Republic Start?

The Third Republic is the Nigerian republic that never truly happened, or at least never got the chance to shine. It was supposed to be a return to full-flesh democracy after many years under military rule. The government had planned a complete civilian handover in 1993, and for the first time, Nigerians were ready. Truly ready to move forward.

Who Was Supposed to Lead the Third Republic?

Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola was the man (candidate) who won the presidential election of June 12, 1993. He was a wealthy businessman, philanthropist, and someone loved by many across ethnic and religious lines. For the first time in a long time, Nigerians came together to vote for a candidate who looked like hope.

MKO was not perfect, but he had a vision. He believed in Nigeria. His vision was that a country blessed with oil, land, talent, and people shouldn’t be poor. His message wasn’t just politics, it was personal.

Who Handed Over Power?

The military head of state at the time, General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB), was supposed to hand over power to MKO Abiola the winner of the 1993 presidential election. But that didn’t happen. Instead, on June 23, 1993, Babangida annulled the election, calling it flawed. That decision broke the heart of the nation. It was widely believed to be the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history.The annulment sparked protests, arrests, political unrest, and a long period of uncertainty.

Why Was the Third Republic Important?

The Third Republic was a bridge and a chance to forget the failures of the First and Second Republic memories.

From the First Republic, we should have learned that ethnic politics divides more than it unites.

From the Second Republic, we should have learned that corruption and greed destroy democracy faster than guns do.

By 1993, Nigeria had a third, but the dream did not surface into reality.

How Long Did the Third Republic Last?

The Third Republic didn’t officially start or end in a normal way.

• Presidential election held in June 1993
• IBB stepped down in August 1993 after mounting pressure
• He handed power to an interim president, led by Chief Ernest Shonekan to be a transitional leader.

But that didn’t last. November 17, 1993, some months later, General Sani Abacha overthrew the interim government and brought back military rule.

Why Does the Third Republic Still Matter Today?

The third republic matters because it taught us that even when the people are ready, the system may not be. It showed us that democracy is not just about voting but about respect for the people’s will, trust in leadership, and protecting our institutions.

MKO Abiola remains a symbol.  Not just because he won but because he stood for something bigger: unity, accountability, and hope. He died in custody on July 7, 1998, still fighting for the mandate he believed he earned.

Final Thoughts:

We always want “Nigeria to be better.” But it won’t happen by chance. Looking back at the First, Second, and Third Republics, the lesson is clear: Until we fix what’s broken inside – corruption, tribalism, and injustice, the outside can never stand.

I was just a child in the Third Republic, but I’ve grown up in the ruins of that broken promise. We must do better, not for history, but for our future.

Read: Nigeria First Republic | Nigeria Second Republic

Our last article was about the First Republic of Nigeria when the nation first tried to rule itself after gaining independence from British rule. That republic ended in 1966 when the military took over the government. Again, after many years of military rule, Nigeria tried democracy. This new period was called the Second Republic, another phase of civilian governance. Many Nigerians have little or no knowledge about this second republic. So it’s an opportunity to learn about it briefly.

When Did the Second Republic In Nigeria Start?

The Second Republic in Nigeria began on October 1, 1979. It was after 13 years of military rule following the fall of the First Republic in 1966, which brought Nigerians to another dictatorship style of rulership without freedom of expression. Any attempt to oppose the government of the day, you get jailed or killed.

Who Was the First President of the Second Republic?

Alhaji Shehu Shagari was the first president of the Second Republic. He was elected into the seat in 1979 under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

Shehu Shagari was born in 1925 in Sokoto State. Before becoming the number one man in Nigeria, he served in different government roles, including as a teacher and federal minister. He was known as a calm and soft-spoken man who wanted unity and progress for Nigeria.

How Was the Nigeria’s Second Republic Different?

This time, Nigeria used a presidential system like the one used in the United States. Instead of having a prime minister like the First Republic, the president had all the executive powers. Thus, Shehu Shagari became both the head of state and head of government.

What Led to the Failure of the Second Republic?

Sadly, it happened again like the First Republic. The Second Republic did not last. It ended on December 31, 1983. Here are some reasons why it failed to include:

• Corruption: Many politicians misused public funds.
• Poor economy: The country was facing hardship and unemployment.
• Election problems: The 1983 election was unfair and full of rigging
• Mismanagement: Government programs were not well planned or carried out.

Because of all these problems, many Nigerians lost trust in the government.

Who Ended the Second Republic of Nigeria?

The military took over again. On December 31, 1983, Major General Muhammadu Buhari led a coup that removed President Shagari from office.

Buhari said the government was too corrupt and not doing its job, so the military had to step in again. So, the second republic was between 1979 and 1983.

How Long Did the Nigrerian Second Republic Last?

The Second Republic lasted for 4 years and 3 months, from October 1, 1979, to December 31, 1983.

Conclusion

The Second Republic of Nigeria was another chance for democracy after years of military rule. It started with hope and a new system but ended because of poor leadership and corruption. Just like the First Republic, it reminds us how significant good leadership, honesty, and fairness are for a strong nation.

Previously: Nigeria First Republic – The Beginning of Our Democratic Journey

Next Up: Nigeria Third Republic – A Lost Chance That Still Hurts

The First Republic of Nigeria was a fundamental step in the nation’s early road to independence and self-rule. It signaled the first real effort at democratic governance after gaining freedom from British colonial rule. While independence brought hope and the sense of a better future for Nigerians, internal conflicts and political instability soon cut that dream short. Sadly, Nigerians themselves played a part in its downfall, leading to a military takeover just a few years later.

When Did the First Republic Begin?

Although Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, it officially became a republic on October 1, 1963. Thus, the country cut its final constitutional ties with Britain and adopted its Nigerian head of state, marking the true beginning of the First Republic.

Who Was the First President of Nigeria?

Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe was the first President of the First Republic. He was known as a strong nationalist and intellectual. Azikiwe had long fought for independence. While he served as President, executive power rested with Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who led the government under a parliamentary system.

How Was the Nigeria First Republic Governed?

Nigeria operated a British-style parliamentary system with a central government and three main regions: North, West, and East. Each area had its political leadership, and most political parties were regionally based. While the system aimed for democracy, it was full of deep ethnic divisions and unhealthy competition among leaders.

Why Did the First Republic Collapse?

Several problems led to the fall of the First Republic:

• Ethnic and regional rivalries created distrust and political tension.
• Corruption and election rigging hurt the people’s faith in democracy.
• The 1964 federal voting and the 1965 Western Region elections were violent and widely believed to be fraudulent.
• On January 15, 1966, a group of army officers staged a coup, assassinating Prime Minister Balewa and other key leaders which signaled the end (failure) of the First Republic.

How Long Did the First Republic Last?

The First Republic began on October 1, 1963, and ended on January 15, 1966. It lasted just two years and three months. While it was brief, but left a lasting impact on the political landscape.

Wrapping it up

The first republic was birth with the hope of freedom and democracy. However, internal power struggles and weak institutions led to its downfall. Understanding this short but important era helps us see the roots of many challenges Nigeria still faces today.

Continue Reading: Nigeria Second Republic – Hope, Mistakes, and Another Fall: Learn what happened after the First Republic collapsed and how Nigeria tried again.