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 in Nigeria 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? And What Went Wrong?
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.
Leave a Reply