Question 78 of 378

The constitution that introduced restricted franchise into Nigerian politics was the

  • A. Independence Constitution
  • B. Lyttelton Constitution
  • C. Richards Constitution
  • D. Clifford Constitution

Correct Answer: D

Explanation
The correct option is D. Clifford Constitution. Detailed Explanation
  1. Understanding the Context:
  2. The Clifford Constitution was introduced in 1922 and is significant in the history of Nigeria's political development. It marked a shift from indirect rule to a more direct form of governance, albeit still limited.
  3. What is Restricted Franchise?:
  4. Restricted franchise means that not all citizens have the right to vote; instead, voting rights are limited to certain groups based on criteria such as property ownership, education, or tax payments. This was a common practice in many colonial systems where the colonial powers sought to control the political landscape.
  5. Key Features of the Clifford Constitution:
  6. The Clifford Constitution introduced a legislative council with elected members, but only a small fraction of the population was allowed to vote. Specifically, it allowed for a limited number of educated Nigerians to participate in the electoral process, thus creating a restricted franchise.
  7. The constitution also established a system where only men who met certain property and educational qualifications could vote, effectively disenfranchising the majority of the population.
  8. Why the Other Options are Incorrect:
  9. A. Independence Constitution: This constitution was enacted in 1960 and granted full independence to Nigeria. It established universal suffrage, allowing all adult citizens to vote, which is the opposite of restricted franchise.
  10. B. Lyttelton Constitution: Introduced in 1954, this constitution expanded the franchise but still did not provide universal suffrage. It aimed to create a more federal structure and included provisions for more elected representatives, but it was not the first to introduce restricted franchise.
  11. C. Richards Constitution: This constitution was enacted in 1946 and aimed to increase representation for Nigerians but still maintained some restrictions on voting. However, it did not introduce the concept of restricted franchise; rather, it was a continuation of the limited franchise established by the Clifford Constitution.
Summary of Key Points
  • The Clifford Constitution (1922) introduced restricted franchise in Nigeria, allowing only a small, educated elite to vote.
  • It marked a significant shift towards a more direct form of governance but still maintained colonial control through limited voting rights.
  • The Independence Constitution (1960) established universal suffrage, while the Lyttelton and Richards Constitutions expanded representation but did not introduce restricted franchise.
  • Understanding the historical context of these constitutions is crucial for grasping the evolution of Nigeria's political landscape.
Revision Summary
  • The Clifford Constitution was the first to introduce restricted franchise in Nigeria.
  • Restricted franchise limited voting rights to a small, educated elite.
  • Subsequent constitutions (Lyttelton and Richards) expanded representation but did not establish restricted franchise.
  • The Independence Constitution marked the transition to universal suffrage in Nigeria.
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