In what five ways have political parties contributed to the constitutional development of Nigeria?

Answer Details

Political parties have contributed to the constitutional development of Nigeria in the following ways:

1. Agitation for constitutional reform: Parties such as the NNDP, NCNC, AG and NPC pressed the colonial government for successive constitutional changes and greater self-government.
2. Participation in constitutional conferences: Party leaders attended the London and Lagos conferences (1953, 1954, 1957, 1958) that produced the constitutions leading to independence.
3. Demand for federalism: The parties, reflecting regional interests, pushed for a federal structure, which was entrenched in the 1954 Lyttleton Constitution and later constitutions.
4. Struggle for independence: Through their nationalist activities they hastened the negotiations that culminated in the 1960 Independence Constitution and the 1963 Republican Constitution.
5. Provision of personnel: Parties produced the political leaders and legislators who operated the constitutions and manned the regional and central governments.
6. Political education: Parties enlightened the citizens on constitutional issues, rights and the workings of representative government.
7. Formation of governments: By contesting and winning elections they formed the governments that gave practical effect to each new constitution.

(Any five of the above are acceptable.)