In what ways was the 1922 Clifford Constitution in Nigeria significant'?

Answer Details

Significance of the 1922 Clifford Constitution

1. Introduction of the elective principle: For the first time in Nigeria (and West Africa), the constitution introduced the elective principle, allowing a few Africans to be elected into the Legislative Council. This was its most important feature.
2. Limited African representation: It provided for four elected members - three for Lagos and one for Calabar - giving Africans, though few, a voice in the central legislature for the first time.
3. Franchise based on property: The right to vote was granted to adult males resident in Lagos or Calabar with an income of £100 per annum, thereby introducing a (restricted) franchise.
4. Stimulation of party politics: The elective principle encouraged the formation of political parties, notably Herbert Macaulay's Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1923, which was formed to contest the elections.
5. Growth of the press and political awareness: It stimulated political activity, the growth of newspapers and the rise of nationalist consciousness.
6. Enlargement of the Legislative Council: It created a Legislative Council for the Colony and Southern Nigeria, though the North remained governed by proclamation.
7. A step towards later constitutional advance: It laid a foundation upon which subsequent constitutions (Richards, Macpherson, etc.) built greater African participation.

Its limitation was that it excluded the North from the Legislative Council and gave Africans only a small, advisory role dominated by official members.