Amid escalating conflict within the Western Region’s ruling Action Group, the federal Parliament approved a state of emergency and the regional government was suspended—an early sign of deepening instability in the federal system.
Senator M. A. Majekodunmi was appointed sole administrator of the Western Region during emergency rule, replacing the suspended regional government and attempting to restore order.
Under the emergency regime, an appointed team of commissioners and advisers was installed to run ministries, underscoring the extent of federal takeover of regional governance.
Nigeria created the Mid-Western Region from Benin and Delta provinces of the Western Region, altering federal-regional balances and reducing the Western Region’s size and diversity.
Nigeria’s 1963 Constitution came into force, abolishing the monarchy, retaining a Westminster-style parliamentary system, and establishing the constitutional basis for the First Republic as a republic within the Commonwealth.
On the constitution’s commencement, Nigeria formally became a republic, and Nnamdi Azikiwe transitioned from Governor-General to the country’s first President (a largely ceremonial role under the Westminster model).
Nigeria ended appeals from its Supreme Court to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London, a significant step in judicial sovereignty after independence.
Nigeria carried out the 1963 census over four days (5–8 November). Its results were controversial and became entangled with political competition and debates about representation and resource allocation.
The new Mid-Western Region held elections for its legislature, an early institutional milestone following the region’s creation.
Nigeria held federal elections for the House of Representatives, but widespread disputes and a boycott meant voting was incomplete nationwide on the initial date, deepening legitimacy concerns in the First Republic.
Following intense factional conflict and disputed politics in the West, organized violence popularly known as “Operation Wetie” (arson attacks using petrol) surged, contributing to a national breakdown of order.
Because of the earlier boycott and disruption, elections were held later in some Eastern Region, Lagos, and Mid-Western constituencies—extending the contested electoral process into 1965.
On 15 January 1966, a coup led by young officers (including Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu) overthrew the civilian government, killing senior political leaders and ending Nigeria’s First Republic.
First Republic (1963–1966)
