THE IMPACT OF CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: A COMPARISON OF THE 1960 INDEPENDENT CONSTITUTION AND THE 1999 CONSTITUTION

This study examines the impact of constitutional changes on political development in Nigeria with particular focus on a comparison between the 1960 Independence Constitution and the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. Constitutions serve as the fundamental legal framework that guides governance, political institutions, and the distribution of power within a state. Since independence, Nigeria has experienced several constitutional transitions aimed at addressing political instability, ethnic diversity, and the need for democratic governance. The study adopts a historical and comparative research approach to analyze the structures, principles, and political implications of the two constitutions. The 1960 Independence Constitution established a parliamentary system of government under a constitutional monarchy, granting significant autonomy to the regions and recognizing the authority of the British Crown. In contrast, the 1999 Constitution introduced a presidential system of government, emphasizing federalism, separation of powers, and democratic representation following years of military rule. Findings reveal that while the 1960 Constitution laid the foundation for self-governance and regional autonomy, it also faced challenges related to political rivalry and regional imbalance. On the other hand, the 1999 Constitution has played a significant role in sustaining democratic governance in the Fourth Republic, though it has also been criticized for issues such as centralization of power and demands for constitutional reforms.