(a) Describe the formation of the Nigeria National Alliance (NNA) of 1964 (b) Highlight five achievements of the alliance

Answer Details

(a) Formation of the Nigerian National Alliance (NNA) of 1964

The Nigerian National Alliance was a political alliance formed in 1964 in preparation for the federal elections of that year. It was an alliance between the Northern People's Congress (NPC), led by Sir Ahmadu Bello, and the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) of Chief S.L. Akintola in the Western Region, together with some smaller parties such as the Niger Delta Congress, the Dynamic Party and the Midwest Democratic Front. The alliance was formed to counter the rival United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA) made up of the NCNC, Action Group and their allies. The NNA broadly represented conservative interests and drew its main strength from the North and the ruling group in the West.

(b) Achievements of the Alliance

1. It won the controversial 1964 federal elections and formed the central government, retaining power at the centre.
2. It kept Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in office as Prime Minister after the elections.
3. It brought together the NPC and NNDP as partners, strengthening the position of the ruling group in the Northern and Western Regions.
4. It provided an organised platform that mobilised conservative political forces against the UPGA.
5. It maintained, for a time, the political dominance of the North at the federal level and preserved the existing power structure.

(Any five points are acceptable.)