Nigeria Years

January 1966

Aguiyi Ironsi became head of state, established a unitary-style dictatorship.

July 1966

Middle-belt Christian Yakubu Gowon becomes the new head of state, backlash against Igbos begins.

1967

The Igbo population decides to break away and form Biafra because of violence against them.

1975

Gowon is overthrown by Murtala Muhammad, and democratic transition restarts.

1976

Muhammad assassinated, succeeded by Olusegun Obasanjo.

1976 (2)

Obasanjo cedes power to a civilian government.

1979-1983

Shehu Shagari is president, National Party of Nigeria.

1983

Corruption in elections, Muhammadu Buhari, failed to revive economy and retunr to democratic rule.

1985

General Ibrahim Babangida overthrew government, announced transition program stalled.

November 1993

General Sani Abacha overthrew caretaker government, used repression.

June 1998

Abacha dies, Abdulsami Abukabar takes over, implements transition plan.

May 1999

Abukabar hands power to civilian government, Obasanjo and the PDP are elected. 

1999-2007

Olesejun Obasanjo rules as president.

2007

Umaru Yar’Adua won election, considered highly fraudulent.

2010

Yar’uba dies, Goodluck Jonathan is elected

2015

Goodluck Jonathan loses, Muhammadu Buhari is elected 

2023

 Bola Tinubu wins election (remains in power today.)