Key Terms in Nigerian Political History

A series of flashcards covering key concepts, historical figures, and important organizations relevant to Nigerian political history.

General Sani Abacha

A Nigerian Army general who seized power in a 1993 coup and ruled as military head of state until his death in 1998, known for human rights abuses and corruption.

African Union (AU)

A continental organization established in 2002 to promote political and economic integration and defend human rights across Africa.

All Progressives Congress (APC)

A center-right political party formed in 2013 from the merger of Nigeria’s major opposition parties, advocating for anti-corruption and inclusive governance.

Atiku Abubakar

Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, a businessman, and a perennial presidential candidate focusing on economic diversification.

Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO Abiola)

A businessman and politician considered the rightful winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, symbolizing pro-democracy efforts in Nigeria.

Ibrahim Babangida

Nigerian Army general who ruled from 1985 to 1993, known for the Structural Adjustment Program and the annulment of the 1993 presidential election.

Biafra

A secessionist state declared in 1967, leading to the Nigerian Civil War, driven by grievances of the Igbo people.

Boko Haram

An Islamist extremist group founded around 2002, seeking to establish a Sharia-based caliphate in Nigeria.

Civil Society

Voluntary associations and organizations operating independently from the state, crucial in Nigeria's democratization and human rights advocacy.

Constitutionalism

The principle that government authority derives from a constitution that limits power and protects fundamental rights.

Corporatism

A system integrating major interest groups into the policy-making process, often under state oversight, influencing governance dynamics.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of cultural elements between societies, significantly shaping Nigeria's diverse cultural landscape.

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

A regional bloc established in 1975 to promote economic integration and political stability among West African nations.

Federal Character Principle

A constitutional mandate ensuring representation of Nigeria’s ethnic diversity in public appointments.

Fourth Republic

The current phase of Nigerian government since 1999, marked by democratic elections and significant political challenges.

Goodluck Jonathan

President of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015, known for economic growth and electoral reforms amid criticisms over governance.

Hausa-Fulani

Two dominant ethnic groups in northern Nigeria, influential in politics and cultural dynamics.

Igbo (Ibo)

An ethnic group in southeastern Nigeria, known for entrepreneurship and advocacy for federal restructuring.

Indirect Rule

A colonial governance approach implemented in Nigeria that relied on traditional rulers rather than direct administration.

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The body overseeing Nigeria’s electoral processes, from voter registration to result collation.

Informal Economy (Black Market)

Economic activities operating outside government regulation, significant to Nigeria's GDP and employment.

Kinship-Based Politics

Political mobilization organized around ethnic or familial ties, often influencing electoral dynamics in Nigeria.

Loyalty Pyramid

A hierarchical model of patronage networks in which benefits are distributed from political leaders to local mobilizers.

MEND and Niger Delta Oil Issues

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta emerged to protest against oil exploitation and environmental degradation.

Military in Government

The historical alternation between military and civilian rule in Nigeria, influencing governance and political stability.

Muhammadu Buhari

Former military ruler and elected president of Nigeria known for his anti-corruption efforts and military operations against Boko Haram.

National Assembly

Nigeria's bicameral legislature responsible for enacting laws and overseeing the executive branch.

National Question

The challenge of achieving unity and equitable development among Nigeria's diverse ethnic groups.

Olusegun Obasanjo

Former military head of state turned democratically elected president, known for economic and democratic reforms. Military leader between 1976–1979 & civilian president between 1999 & 2007.

Parastatals

State-owned enterprises tasked with service delivery in Nigeria, often facing issues of inefficiency and corruption.

Patron-Client (Prebendalism)

A governance style where state resources are treated as personal property, leading to favoritism in appointments or A system where public offices are viewed as sources of income for officials and their supporters, perpetuating corruption.

People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

Nigeria’s dominant political party from 1999-2015, associated with economic growth and democratic expansion, but faced corruption scandals.

Plurality

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins, influencing legislative elections in Nigeria.

Rents, Rent-Seeking

Unearned income derived from resource control, often leading to economic inefficiencies and corruption.

Rentier State

A state reliant on external rents, such as oil exports, decreasing fiscal accountability.

Resource Curse

The phenomenon where resource-rich countries experience slower growth and conflicts, evident in Nigeria's oil wealth scene.

Revenue Sharing

The distribution of federal revenues among different government tiers to address regional disparities.

Rule of Law

The principle ensuring accountability of all individuals and institutions to the law in Nigeria.

Ken Saro-Wiwa

An environmental activist who campaigned against oil pollution, executed by the Abacha regime, symbolizing environmental justice.

Sharia

Islamic law adopted by some northern Nigerian states, provoking debates on human rights and federalism.

State Corporatism

A governance model where the state controls interest groups, limiting genuine pluralism.

Structural Adjustment Program (SAP)

Economic policies imposed by the IMF and World Bank aimed at stabilizing Nigeria's economy in the 1980s.

True Federalism Movement

An advocacy for genuine power and resource devolution to Nigeria's states, emphasizing autonomy.

Umaru Musa Yar’Adua

President from 2007 to 2010, known for rule-of-law reforms and his focus on governance despite health challenges.

Yoruba

One of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups, influential in culture and politics, primarily in the southwest.