Political Parties In The Second Republic Of Nigeria

NATIONAL PARTY OF NIGERIA

The NPN came into existence in 1978, formed by members of the former NPC and a few from other parts of Nigeria. Some of its members were Ali Monguno, Aliyu Makaman Bida, Adamu Ciroma, Imawada, Mailama Sule, Shehu shagari, Adisa Akinloye, Richard Akinjide, MKO Abiola Olusola Saraki, k. o Mbadiwe, Joseph Tarka, c.c Onoh and Clememnt Isong

OBJECTIVES OF THE NPN

1. Dedication to the realization of a great improvement in the general prosperity and welfare of the rural dwellers.
2. Provision of shelter for the people of Nigeria
3. Provision of functional and qualitative education at the primary, secondary vocational technical and university levels in accordance with the Nigeria constitution.
4. Provision of food for the people through the policy of “green Revolution”
5. A comprehensive programme of rapid industrialization.

SOURCES OF FINANCE OF NPN

The NPN was financed through donations, levels, allocations, from the federal Electoral commission, sale of party publicity items, and membership subscription                                                            

ACHIEVEMENT

• The NPN was the most national of all the five political parties in the second republic.
• In 1979, the party won-gubernatorial elections in seven states while it won twelve in 1983 before the military took over.
• It won the presidential elections twice (1979 and 1083). However, the second tenure was only three months old before the military took over.
• It won the most seats in the house of representative and senate.

ORGANISATION AND SUPPORT OF THE NPN

The NPN maintained a secretariat at each of its four levels of organization, via the district and ward levels the town and local government level, the state level and the national level with officers to run each level.

There was a national executive and a national working committee. The NPN zoned most important positions in the party among the Northern, Western, eastern and minority groups.

The Unity party of Nigeria (UPN) Obafemi Awolowo was the founder and leader of the UPN. Other key members included Adekunle ajasin, Lateef Jakande, Mck Ajuluchukwu, Professor F.A Alli, Bola Ige, Philip Umeadi, J. S Olawonyi and S. m afolabi. Clement Gomwalk from Benue state was the national secretary while the national treasurer was Chia Surma from Benue state.

OBJECTIVES OF THE UPN

• Free education at all levels for all citizens of Nigeria, and free and compulsory education at primary and secondary levels for children between the ages of six and seventeen. Special encouragement would be given to science and technology.
• Integrated rural development to encourage agriculture, boost the production of food and prevent continuous migration from the rural areas to urban areas.
• Full and gainful employment for all above-bodies Nigeria citizens.
• Free Health services for all citizens of Nigeria.

ORGANISATION AND SUPPORT OF THE UPN

The UPN organized its members at different levels including the ward or local levels, state constituency with representative from all local government state executive council, state conferences for all members in each state chaired by the state governor.

SOURCES OF FINANCE OF THE UPN

The UPN was financed through allocation from the federal Electroral commission, ,e,bership subscription, donations, sales of party publicity items, and special levy on members of the party elected or appointed to governmental posts.

ACHIEVENMENTS OF THE UPN

1. The party implemented its four basic programmes, including free education and free health care in all states under its control.
2. The party won the gubernatorial elections in five states in 1983.
3. The party came second in the presidential elections of both 1979 and 1983 and had the second largest numbers of legislators in the representatives.

EVALUATION

1. Account for the achievements of the NPN
2. List the achievements of the UPN