Pre-Independence and Post-Independence Era - JSS3 Civic education Lesson Note

Prior to Nigeria's independence in 1960, the country had limited electoral mechanisms under British colonial rule. Elections were not fully democratic, and the franchise was restricted to a small educated elite and traditional rulers. The colonial administration managed electoral processes without the establishment of formal electoral bodies.

After gaining independence, Nigeria saw the establishment of various electoral bodies to oversee elections at different levels of government. These bodies evolved over time to reflect changes in political structures, electoral laws, and democratic aspirations:

1. Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO): Established in 1960, FEDECO was Nigeria's first indigenous electoral body responsible for conducting federal elections. It oversaw the country's first general elections in 1964.

National Electoral Commission (NEC): Following the military coup in 1966, FEDECO was disbanded, and NEC was established in 1979 to conduct elections under the Second Republic. However, the Second Republic was short-lived, and NEC was dissolved after the military coup in 1983.

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC): INEC was established in 1998 under the Fourth Republic, following the transition from military to civilian rule. INEC is the current electoral body responsible for organizing, conducting, and supervising elections at all levels of government in Nigeria. It operates independently and is mandated to ensure free, fair, and credible electoral processes.