Account for the coming of the Military into Nigerian politics in 1966?

Answer Details

The military came into Nigerian politics through the coup of 15 January 1966. The following factors account for this intervention:

1. Widespread political corruption: The reckless embezzlement and misuse of public funds by politicians of the First Republic disgusted the young officers, who claimed to intervene to sanitise the system.
2. Rigging of elections: The massive rigging of the 1964 federal election and the 1965 Western Region election destroyed public confidence in the democratic process.
3. Political instability and breakdown of law and order: The violence, arson and killings, especially the "wetie" disturbances in the Western Region, created near-anarchy that the army used to justify seizing power.
4. The census controversy: The disputed 1962/63 census figures deepened distrust and rivalry among the regions and helped to destabilise the polity.
5. Ethnic and regional rivalry: Bitter competition and mutual suspicion among the major ethnic groups made national governance almost impossible.
6. Weakness of democratic institutions: The fragile parliament, judiciary and electoral bodies could not check abuse of power, leaving a vacuum the military filled.
7. Nepotism and tribalism in public life: Favouritism in appointments and the allocation of resources bred resentment that the coup plotters cited as justification.