Nigeria Vocabulary

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Hausa-Fulani

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Two formerly small separate groups that merged over the last century. They dominate the Northwest as Nigeria's single largest ethnic group.

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Middle Belt

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The center of the country, where no single ethnic group or religion dominates, resulting in a number of national leaders.

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Yoruba

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The Yoruba dominate the southwest of the country and are the second largest ethnic group. They practice Christianity, Islam, and traditional Yoruba religion.

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Igbo

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Dominate the Southeast, third-largest ethnic group, primarily Christian, some Protestant evangelicals.

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Indirect Rule

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When the British relied on local leaders to continue to rule, subject only to limited supervision by imperial officials.

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Dual Mandate

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The British kept Nigeria divided to prevent organized political resistance to colonial rule, laying foundations for democracy before independence.

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Biafran Civil War

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The political conflict where the southeastern part of the country attempted to secede. It resulted in over 1 million casualties and included the use of starvation tactics.

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Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO)

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Established to remove partisan politics from the conduct of elections and the counting of ballots.

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People's Democratic Party (PDP)

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Obasanjo's party, successful in 1999. One of the three leading parties of the 4th Republic. Multi-ethnic.

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National Question

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The debate over the basic structures of government in Nigeria.