By the time Nigeria reached the end of the Third Republic, many people had given up hope because the First and Second Republics had both ended in military coups. Also, the Third Republic barely took off before being crushed by power and greed. June 12, 1993, was supposed to be a turning point as it was one of the freest elections ever, a chance to start fresh, but it was annulled, and what followed was one of the darkest periods in Nigeria’s political history.
How Did the Fourth Republic in Nigeria Start?
After the Third Republic collapsed, General Sani Abacha took over in November 1993 and ruled strictly where press freedom was withdrawn, political activists were jailed or killed, and the people suffered. In addition, the most painful moment was the death of MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the 1993 election, who died in custody in 1998.
But then, in a twist of fate, Sani Abacha suddenly died in June 1998. This opened the door for a peaceful transition. General Abdulsalami Abubakar became head of state and quickly began plans to return Nigeria to democratic rule.
However, the Fourth Republic of Nigeria officially started on May 29, 1999. Increasing the return of civilian rule after 16 straight years of military leadership (1983–1999). It was the longest Nigeria had ever been under military control.
Who Was the First President of the Fourth Republic?
The first president under the Fourth Republic was Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a retired army general who had also led Nigeria as a military head of state from 1976 to 1979.
He ran as a civilian under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and won the 1999 election. Many believed his military background, combined with civilian support, made him a strong bridge between Nigeria’s painful past and a hopeful future.
Top Political Parties in the 1999 Election
| Political Party | Key Support Base | Remarks |
| People’s Democratic Party (PDP) | National, with strong Southern backing | Party of Obasanjo; supported by many former military elites and southern politicians. |
| All People’s Party (APP) | Mainly Northern Nigeria | Had strong support in the North. |
| Alliance for Democracy (AD) | South-West Nigeria (Yoruba voters) | Popular among Yoruba voters; featuring strong presence in the South-West region. |
Eventually, a PDP-APP coalition became the dominant voice in early Fourth Republic politics.
What Makes the Fourth Republic Different?
Unlike previous republics, the Fourth Republic has lasted. As of today, it is Nigeria’s longest-running democratic system, going strong since 1999.
Some improvements include:
- Regular elections (even if flawed)
- Greater press freedom
- More civilian participation in government
- Growth in political parties and youth awareness
However, many problems still linger or have gotten worse:
- Corruption at high levels
- Poor infrastructure
- Unemployment and poverty
- Ethnic and religious conflicts
- Weak institutions and rigged elections
So while the Fourth Republic has given Nigerians the right to vote, it has not yet delivered the dividends of democracy many hoped for.
List of Presidents in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic (1999 – Present)
| President Name | Term | Political Party |
| Olusegun Obasanjo | 1999–2007 | People’s Democratic Party (PDP) |
| Umaru Musa Yar’Adua | 2007–2010 | PDP |
| Goodluck Ebele Jonathan | 2010–2015 | PDP |
| Muhammadu Buhari | 2015–2023 | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
| Bola Ahmed Tinubu | 2023–Present | APC |
Why The Nigerian Fourth Republic Matter Today?
Because the future of Nigeria depends on what we do with the democracy we now have. We’ve had military rule, broken promises, and fake transitions yet here we are. Still standing. Still voting. Still hoping.
The Fourth Republic reminds us that democracy is not perfect, but it gives us a voice. It also reminds us that unless we fix the problems of the past such as tribalism, corruption, injustice – history will repeat itself.
Summary of Nigeria’s Republics So Far
- President: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe
- Prime Minister: Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
- Reason it ended: Military coup in January 1966 due to political instability, ethnic tensions, and corruption.
2. Second Republic (1979–1983)
- President: Alhaji Shehu Shagari
- Reason it ended: Military coup in December 1983 caused by economic decline, election rigging, and widespread corruption.
3. Third Republic (1993 – Aborted)
- Elected President (not sworn in): Chief MKO Abiola
- Reason it ended: Annulment of the June 12, 1993 election by General Ibrahim Babangida; followed by military takeover and political unrest.
4. Fourth Republic (1999–Present)
- First President: Chief Olusegun Obasanjo
- Why it’s important: Longest period of uninterrupted civilian rule in Nigeria’s history. However, many issues from previous republics like corruption and insecurity still persist.
Leave a Reply