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Difficulty: MediumFirst Republic Politics and Major Crises (1960–1966)

Following the heavily boycotted federal parliamentary elections of December 1964, a major constitutional deadlock arose in Nigeria's First Republic between President Nnamdi Azikiwe and Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. What was the central cause of this impasse?

  1. President Azikiwe refused to reappoint Prime Minister Balewa to form a new government due to widespread electoral malpractices and boycotts.Answer
  2. B
    President Azikiwe exercised executive presidential authority to unilaterally dissolve parliament and declare a nationwide state of emergency.
  3. C
    Prime Minister Balewa attempted to abolish regional autonomy by reclassifying Nigeria as a unitary government system.
  4. D
    The regional governors revoked federal constitutional authority and transferred national security powers exclusively to regional assemblies.

Answer

President Azikiwe refused to reappoint Prime Minister Balewa to form a new government due to widespread electoral malpractices and boycotts.
The 1964 federal election was marred by boycotts called by the United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA) over allegations of intimidation and rigging by the Nigerian National Alliance (NNA). Following the announced NNA victory, President Nnamdi Azikiwe initially refused to invite Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa to form a new cabinet, creating a severe constitutional standoff between the Head of State and the Head of Government.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the historical context of the December 1964 federal election crisis in Nigeria's First Republic.
The election was contested by two major political alliances (NNA and UPGA) and was widely boycotted in parts of the country due to alleged electoral malpractices.
Understanding the political climate helps pinpoint the constitutional dispute between key leaders.
2
Analyze the constitutional positions of the Head of State (President Azikiwe) and Head of Government (Prime Minister Balewa) under the 1963 Parliamentary Constitution.
As ceremonial Head of State, the President was constitutionally expected to invite the leader of the party winning the majority in Parliament to form a government.
The 1963 Constitution maintained a parliamentary structure where executive powers rested with the Prime Minister and cabinet, while the President held ceremonial duties.
3
Determine the source of the deadlock.
President Azikiwe refused to call upon Balewa to form a new government, arguing that the election results were discredited by widespread boycotts and irregularities.
This refusal created a five-day constitutional crisis until a compromise was brokered allowing Balewa to form a broad-based national government.

Key Concept

1964 Federal Election Crisis and Parliamentary Constitutional Roles
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Topics

First Republic Politics and Major Crises (1960–1966)