Nigeria's First Republic

Nigeria's First Republic (1963–1966) was the country's initial attempt at self-governance after gaining independence from Britain in 1960. During this period, Nigeria operated as a federal parliamentary system, with power divided between regional governments and a central government. The Northern, Western, and Eastern regions had their own governments and political parties. The period was marked by political stability early on, but also by regional tensions, ethnic diversity, and economic disparities. Eventually, widespread political unrest and military dissatisfaction led to a military coup in 1966, ending the First Republic and ushering in military rule.