Question

Difficulty: MediumThe Clifford Constitution of 1922 and Elective Principle

Arrange the following historical developments associated with the Clifford Constitution of 1922 and the birth of elective democracy in Nigeria in chronological order from earliest to latest.

  1. 1Promulgation of the Clifford Constitution, abolishing the advisory Nigerian Council and establishing the elective principle.
  2. 2Formation of the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) by Herbert Macaulay.
  3. 3Conduct of Nigeria's first legislative elections for four elected unofficial seats in Lagos and Calabar.
  4. 4Introduction of the Richards Constitution, which replaced the Clifford Constitution.

Answer

The correct chronological sequence is: Promulgation of the Clifford Constitution (1922) → Formation of the Nigerian National Democratic Party (early 1923) → Conduct of Nigeria's first legislative elections in Lagos and Calabar (September 1923) → Introduction of the Richards Constitution (1946).
The sequence follows the natural historical progression of Nigeria's constitutional development under Sir Hugh Clifford: first, the constitution was promulgated in 1922 establishing the elective principle; second, political parties such as the NNDP were formed in early 1923 to contest elections; third, the first elections were held in September 1923; and finally, this constitutional era ended with the introduction of the Richards Constitution in 1946.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the initial constitutional event
The Clifford Constitution was enacted in 1922, creating the legal mechanism for elected representation.
Constitutional reforms must precede political party formation and electoral execution.
2
Identify the political response to the constitution
Herbert Macaulay formed the NNDP in early 1923 to contest the elective positions.
Political parties mobilized voters after the elective principle was constitutionally guaranteed.
3
Identify the electoral execution
Elections took place in September 1923, returning elected members to the Legislative Council.
The election occurred after political party structures were established.
4
Identify the concluding constitutional replacement
The Clifford Constitution remained in effect until superseded by the Richards Constitution in 1946.
The 1946 constitution ended the operation of the 1922 framework.

Key Concept

Chronology of constitutional milestones and political mobilization under the Clifford Constitution of 1922.
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