Correct Option: B. Election crisis in the Western Region Detailed Explanation: The January 15, 1966 military coup in Nigeria was primarily triggered by a combination of political instability and ethnic tensions, but the immediate cause was the election crisis in the Western Region. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of why this option is correct:

1. Background Context:
2. Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960. The political landscape was characterized by ethnic divisions, with major political parties often representing specific ethnic groups.
3. The Western Region was particularly significant due to its economic power and political influence, dominated by the Action Group party led by Obafemi Awolowo.
4. Election Crisis:
5. In 1965, elections were held in the Western Region, which were marred by allegations of electoral fraud and violence. The Action Group party, which had been in power, faced a strong challenge from the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP).
6. The elections were characterized by widespread violence, and the NNDP was accused of manipulating the electoral process to gain power. This led to significant unrest and dissatisfaction among the populace, particularly among supporters of the Action Group.
7. Political Instability:
8. The aftermath of the elections saw a breakdown of law and order in the Western Region. The political crisis escalated, leading to violent confrontations between rival political factions and ethnic groups.
9. The federal government, led by Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, struggled to maintain control and address the growing unrest, which further destabilized the political environment.
10. Military Response:
11. The military, which had been observing the political turmoil, saw the situation as an opportunity to intervene. The coup leaders, primarily young military officers, were motivated by a desire to restore order and address the perceived corruption and inefficiency of the civilian government.
12. On January 15, 1966, the coup was executed, resulting in the assassination of several key political figures, including Prime Minister Balewa.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

• A. Crisis over the population census:
• While the population census conducted in 1962 did lead to tensions and disputes over representation, it was not the immediate cause of the coup. The census crisis was more of a long-term issue that contributed to ethnic divisions but did not directly trigger the coup.
• C. Kano Riots:
• The Kano Riots, which occurred in 1953, were significant in the context of ethnic tensions in Nigeria, but they were not directly related to the events leading up to the January 15 coup. The riots were a historical event that highlighted ethnic divisions but did not serve as an immediate catalyst for the coup.
• D. Tiv Riots:
• The Tiv Riots, which took place in the late 1950s and early 1960s, were also indicative of ethnic strife in Nigeria. However, like the Kano Riots, they were not the immediate cause of the coup. The coup was more directly linked to the political crisis in the Western Region.

Revision Summary:

• The January 15, 1966 coup in Nigeria was primarily caused by the election crisis in the Western Region.
• The elections were marked by allegations of fraud and violence, leading to significant political instability.
• The military intervened to restore order amidst the chaos created by the election crisis.
• Other options, while relevant to Nigeria's political history, did not serve as immediate triggers for the coup.