Question

Difficulty: MediumThe Clifford Constitution of 1922 and Elective Principle

Arrange the following historical milestones associated with the introduction of the Clifford Constitution of 1922 and the growth of elective representation in Nigeria in their correct chronological sequence, from earliest to latest.

  1. 1Dissolution of Lord Lugard's Nigerian Council and the formal enactment of the Clifford Constitution establishing a new Legislative Council.
  2. 2Formation of the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) by Herbert Macaulay to organize political participation under the elective principle.
  3. 3Conduct of Nigeria's first legislative council elections for the designated elective seats in Lagos and Calabar.
  4. 4Acquisition and launch of the *Lagos Daily News* as an official media mouthpiece to promote NNDP candidates and nationalist awareness.

Answer

The correct chronological order is: (1) Dissolution of the advisory Nigerian Council and enactment of the Clifford Constitution (1922), (2) Formation of the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) by Herbert Macaulay (June 1923), (3) Conduct of the first direct elections for Lagos and Calabar (September 1923), and (4) Launch of the Lagos Daily News as a political organ (1925).
The sequence follows the natural historical progression of Nigeria's early constitutional development: constitutional promulgation in 1922, political party formation in June 1923, execution of direct elections in September 1923, and subsequent media expansion for nationalist mobilization in 1925.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the initial constitutional framework change.
The Clifford Constitution was enacted in 1922, replacing the 1914 Nigerian Council created by Lord Lugard.
Constitutional reform was the prerequisite enabling elective political activity.
2
Identify the party formation step.
Herbert Macaulay founded the NNDP in June 1923.
Political parties were formed in response to the newly granted elective principle ahead of the scheduled elections.
3
Identify the electoral milestone.
The first democratic elections were held in September 1923 for 4 elected seats (3 for Lagos, 1 for Calabar).
The election actualized the elective principle provided in the 1922 constitution.
4
Identify the post-election nationalist media development.
The *Lagos Daily News* was established in 1925.
Nationalist leaders required press channels to consolidate political gains and educate electors following the 1923 elections.

Key Concept

Chronological development of constitutional reform and political mobilization under the Clifford Constitution of 1922.
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