Hafisi Olatokunbo Kadiri
@hafisitoks.bsky.social
Public Finance | International Politics & Geopolitics Scholar | Bibliophile | Vinyl Junkie | Marathoner, GS Church + Sutton Runners | Omo Yoruba 🇳🇬
The 1959 Nigerian elections are a reminder of the cost of political division. Strengthening cooperation, fostering inter-ethnic trust, and ensuring fair representation are vital for stability in diverse societies. What lessons can modern politics draw from this?
March 30, 2025 at 5:23 PM
The 1959 Nigerian elections are a reminder of the cost of political division. Strengthening cooperation, fostering inter-ethnic trust, and ensuring fair representation are vital for stability in diverse societies. What lessons can modern politics draw from this?
Could cooperation have worked? A genuine power-sharing agreement or stronger electoral systems might have eased tensions. However, short-term political interests prevailed. The tragic consequences of the Prisoner’s Dilemma unfolded, shaping Nigeria’s future.
March 30, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Could cooperation have worked? A genuine power-sharing agreement or stronger electoral systems might have eased tensions. However, short-term political interests prevailed. The tragic consequences of the Prisoner’s Dilemma unfolded, shaping Nigeria’s future.
With trust eroded, the South demanded constitutional reforms. The NPC resisted, determined to maintain its dominance. The belief that democratic change was impossible pushed Nigeria toward deeper instability, ultimately contributing to the 1966 coup.
March 30, 2025 at 5:21 PM
With trust eroded, the South demanded constitutional reforms. The NPC resisted, determined to maintain its dominance. The belief that democratic change was impossible pushed Nigeria toward deeper instability, ultimately contributing to the 1966 coup.
The 1963 census under Nigerian control confirmed the North’s majority. Allegations of rigging persisted.
March 30, 2025 at 5:20 PM
The 1963 census under Nigerian control confirmed the North’s majority. Allegations of rigging persisted.
The Action Group (AG), now in opposition, refused to cooperate further. Both the NPC and AG pursued self-interest, leading to political instability. The inability to find common ground worsened ethnic rivalry, intensifying the Prisoner’s Dilemma.
March 30, 2025 at 5:20 PM
The Action Group (AG), now in opposition, refused to cooperate further. Both the NPC and AG pursued self-interest, leading to political instability. The inability to find common ground worsened ethnic rivalry, intensifying the Prisoner’s Dilemma.
The results frustrated many southern radicals. The NCNC, which had led the nationalist struggle, saw its influence diminished. Many believed the 1952 census was rigged to favor the North, giving it more than half the federal seats. Distrust grew, deepening divisions.
March 30, 2025 at 5:19 PM
The results frustrated many southern radicals. The NCNC, which had led the nationalist struggle, saw its influence diminished. Many believed the 1952 census was rigged to favor the North, giving it more than half the federal seats. Distrust grew, deepening divisions.
Fearing exclusion, the NCNC formed a coalition with the NPC. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became Prime Minister, and key cabinet positions went to NPC members. This cooperation ensured political survival for the NCNC, but at the cost of reinforcing northern dominance.
March 30, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Fearing exclusion, the NCNC formed a coalition with the NPC. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became Prime Minister, and key cabinet positions went to NPC members. This cooperation ensured political survival for the NCNC, but at the cost of reinforcing northern dominance.
In 1959, Nigeria’s main parties faced this dilemma. The NPC won 148 seats, NCNC & NEPU secured 89 seats, and AG & UMBC got 75 seats. Instead of cooperating, the NCNC and AG split the southern vote. This allowed the NPC, with northern support, to dominate.
March 30, 2025 at 5:18 PM
In 1959, Nigeria’s main parties faced this dilemma. The NPC won 148 seats, NCNC & NEPU secured 89 seats, and AG & UMBC got 75 seats. Instead of cooperating, the NCNC and AG split the southern vote. This allowed the NPC, with northern support, to dominate.
The Prisoner’s Dilemma explains how rational actors may choose self-interest over cooperation, leading to worse outcomes for all. In politics, parties often defect for short-term gain, undermining collective progress. The 1959 elections in Nigeria reflect this classic scenario.
March 30, 2025 at 5:17 PM
The Prisoner’s Dilemma explains how rational actors may choose self-interest over cooperation, leading to worse outcomes for all. In politics, parties often defect for short-term gain, undermining collective progress. The 1959 elections in Nigeria reflect this classic scenario.