All the following are reasons for the frequent military takeover of power in Nigeria, except

The question asks for the reason that is NOT a cause of frequent military takeover of power in Nigeria. The answer, therefore, is the option that does not contribute to military intervention in Nigerian politics. Option C, "check on communist penetration of government," is the answer because communist infiltration has not been a significant factor in military coups in Nigeria. Rather, the military has typically justified their interventions as necessary to restore order, discipline, and stability in the face of perceived incompetence, corruption, and disorder in civilian government. The other options - election malpractice, corruption among top government functionaries, embezzlement of public funds, and tribalism and nepotism - have all been factors contributing to military intervention in Nigerian politics.