Development of Political Parties in Nigeria, SDP and NRC for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 10
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Government
Curriculum Theme: Development of Political Parties in Nigeria
Previous Lesson: Development of Political Parties in Nigeria, GNPP, PRP and NAP
Topic: DEVELOPMENT OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN NIGERIA (Cont.)
Subject Matter: Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC)

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Identify the origin of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC).
• Describe the structure of the SDP and NRC.
• State the sources of finance for the SDP and NRC.
• Explain the objectives of the SDP and NRC.
• Discuss the performance of both parties during the Third Republic.
• List reasons why the government formed political parties during that era.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the role of political parties in a democratic system.
• Develop an interest in the political history of Nigeria.

Psychomotor Domain

• Draw a simple diagram illustrating the structure of either the SDP or NRC.
• Participate actively in discussions about Nigeria’s political development.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Essential Government for Senior Secondary Schools by D.C. Nwaubani
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Charts showing the symbols and slogans of SDP and NRC.
• Textbooks on Nigerian Government and Political History.
• Whiteboard and markers.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important for understanding the evolution of political parties in Nigeria, particularly the unique circumstances of the Third Republic. It helps students grasp the complexities of party formation, funding, and objectives, providing a foundation for analyzing contemporary political dynamics and the role of government in shaping the political landscape.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have prior knowledge of the general concept of political parties, their functions, and the history of political party development in Nigeria before the Third Republic.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

DEVELOPMENT OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN NIGERIA (Cont.)

Social Democratic Party (SDP)

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) was one of the two political parties created by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida in 1990, during Nigeria’s transition to the Third Republic. It was designed to be a “little to the left” party, reflecting a social democratic ideology.

Origin and Formation

The SDP was formed by the government through the National Electoral Commission (NEC) after the dissolution of 13 existing political associations. It was one of the two parties officially registered by the military government.

Structure

The party had a hierarchical structure, from ward to national levels. It was centrally organized with a National Executive Committee, State Executive Committees, Local Government Executive Committees, and Ward Executive Committees. Membership was open to all Nigerians.

Source of Finance

Initially, the government provided significant financial support for the establishment and running of the party, including offices and basic infrastructure. Subsequently, the party was expected to generate funds through membership dues, donations, and other legitimate sources.

Objectives

1. To promote social justice, equality, and welfare for all Nigerians.
2. To ensure democratic governance and uphold the rule of law.
3. To foster national unity and integration.
4. To provide a platform for popular participation in governance.

Performance

The SDP contested and won the 1993 presidential election with Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola as its candidate. However, the election was controversially annulled by the military government, leading to political crisis and the eventual collapse of the Third Republic.

National Republican Convention (NRC)

The National Republican Convention (NRC) was the second political party established by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida in 1990, alongside the SDP. It was intended to be a “little to the right” party, espousing a conservative ideology.

Origin and Formation

Like the SDP, the NRC was created by the military government through the National Electoral Commission (NEC) following the ban on existing political associations. It was one of the two government-registered parties.

Structure

The NRC also had a centralized and hierarchical structure, mirroring that of the SDP. It operated from the national level down to the ward level, with executive committees at each tier to manage party affairs and mobilize members.

Source of Finance

Similar to the SDP, the NRC received initial funding and logistical support from the government to establish its presence across the country. Subsequent funding was expected to come from members’ contributions, fundraising activities, and public donations.

Objectives

1. To promote free enterprise and economic liberalization.
2. To uphold individual liberties and private sector-led development.
3. To ensure national security and stability.
4. To provide a viable alternative political platform for Nigerians.

Performance

The NRC contested the 1993 presidential election with Alhaji Bashir Tofa as its candidate. It lost the election to the SDP but remained a significant political force until the annulment of the election and the subsequent termination of the Third Republic.

Reasons for Government Formation of Political Parties

The military government formed the SDP and NRC for several key reasons:

1. To control the political transition: The government aimed to manage the transition process by dictating the terms of party formation and operation.
2. To avoid the mistakes of the past: Previous political parties were often characterized by ethnic, religious, and regional divisions. The government sought to create two broad-based national parties.
3. To promote a two-party system: The government believed a two-party system would foster national integration, reduce political fragmentation, and simplify the electoral process.
4. To prevent the emergence of “moneybag” politicians: By providing initial funding and setting guidelines, the government hoped to reduce the influence of wealthy individuals in party politics.
5. To instill a new political culture: The government aimed to create parties based on ideology rather than personality or regional affiliation, though this was largely unsuccessful.
6. To ensure ideological balance: The creation of a “little to the left” (SDP) and a “little to the right” (NRC) party was intended to offer Nigerians clear ideological choices.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Guided Practice, Group Work

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Review/Engage

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and briefly reviews the previous lesson on the general development of political parties in Nigeria, asking students to recall key points.

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond to questions about previous lessons and share their understanding of political parties.

Learning Point: Prior knowledge activation

Step 2: Introduction to SDP

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the Social Democratic Party (SDP), explaining its origin, the context of its formation by the military government, and its intended ideological leaning.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen attentively, ask questions for clarification, and note down key information about SDP’s origin.

Learning Point: SDP origin and context

Step 3: SDP Structure, Finance, and Objectives

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Illustration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the structure of the SDP, its initial sources of finance (government funding), and its core objectives, using charts if available.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe charts, listen to explanations, and discuss the implications of government funding for political parties.

Learning Point: SDP structure and aims

Step 4: SDP Performance

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Narration/Analysis

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the performance of the SDP, particularly its success in the 1993 presidential election and the subsequent annulment, highlighting its impact on Nigerian politics.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen to the historical account and discuss the significance of the annulment.

Learning Point: SDP electoral performance

Step 5: Introduction to NRC

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Comparison

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the National Republican Convention (NRC), explaining its origin, its formation by the military government, and its contrasting ideological stance to the SDP.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and draw comparisons between the formation and ideology of SDP and NRC.

Learning Point: NRC origin and context

Step 6: NRC Structure, Finance, Objectives, and Performance

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Summary

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the structure, sources of finance, objectives, and performance of the NRC, drawing parallels and contrasts with the SDP.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen, make notes, and ask questions to clarify their understanding of the NRC’s details.

Learning Point: NRC details and performance

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. When were the SDP and NRC formed, and by whom?
2. State two objectives of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
3. Mention two reasons why the government formed these political parties.
4. Briefly describe the performance of the SDP in the 1993 presidential election.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding SDP and NRC

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on SDP, NRC, and reasons for government formation into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarizes the main points about the SDP and NRC, emphasizing their unique role in Nigeria’s political history and the reasons for their government-led formation. The teacher thanks the students for their participation.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and reflect on the lesson’s key takeaways.

Learning Point: Lesson summary and closure

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. Compare and contrast the ideological leanings of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC).
2. Discuss the impact of the annulment of the 1993 presidential election on Nigeria’s political development.
3. Research and identify any similarities between the objectives of the SDP/NRC and contemporary political parties in Nigeria.

Lesson Keywords

• SDP – Social Democratic Party, a “little to the left” party formed by the military government in 1990.
• NRC – National Republican Convention, a “little to the right” party formed by the military government in 1990.
• Third Republic – A period in Nigerian history (1990-1993) when the military government attempted to transition to civilian rule.
• Annulment – The cancellation of the 1993 presidential election results.
• Two-party system – A political system where two major political parties dominate the government.

Differentiation

For weaker learners, provide simplified notes or a graphic organizer to fill in key details about SDP and NRC. Pair them with stronger learners for group activities. For faster learners, encourage them to research the key personalities associated with each party or the specific events leading to the annulment of the 1993 election.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, search on YouTube for: SDP NRC Third Republic Nigeria history

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have prepared any visual aids such as charts detailing the SDP and NRC. Begin by briefly reviewing previous lessons on political parties to activate prior knowledge. Systematically introduce each party, covering its origin, structure, finance, objectives, and performance, encouraging student participation through questions and discussions. Emphasize the unique context of government-formed parties and the reasons behind this approach. During the note-taking phase, guide students to copy the Board Summary accurately. Pay close attention to student responses during evaluation to gauge understanding and address any misconceptions. For learners who struggle, provide additional verbal explanations and simplified summaries. Challenge advanced learners with deeper analytical questions about the long-term impact of these parties. Ensure a calm and orderly classroom environment throughout the lesson.