Nigeria stands as a testament to resilience, complexity, and enduring aspirations. With a population of over 220 million, a vibrant cultural heritage, and one of the largest economies in Africa, the country remains a key player on the continent amidst significant achievements, persistent challenges, and a continuous struggle for unity, stability, and development. Since October 1, 1960, Nigeria has experienced periods of military rule, civil war, and democratic governance.
The post-independence years were initially characterized by political instability, with ethnic tensions, regional divisions, and contested elections leading to the first military coup in 1966. This set the stage for several decades of military rule, punctuated by brief civilian governments. The most traumatic chapter in Nigeria’s political history was the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), also known as the Biafran War, which resulted in over a million deaths, massive displacement, and significant economic losses.
The war ended with the reintegration of the secessionist region, but the scars of ethnic divisions still influence Nigeria’s political landscape today. By 1999, Nigeria transitioned to its longest-lasting civilian government, ushering in the Fourth Republic. Since then, Nigeria has witnessed seven democratic elections, with ‘peaceful’ transfers of power between political parties, a significant achievement in a country that had previously struggled with military coups although challenges such.