What Does Nigeria Want? — The 1955 Sunday Times Poll That Captured a Nation’s Political Awakening

Published in Lagos on September 4, 1955, the front page of the Sunday Times newspaper boldly asked a question that echoed across Nigeria: “What Does Nigeria Want?” At a time when the nation was inching toward independence, this headline reflected both the uncertainty and the optimism of a people searching for their political identity.

A Nation in Transition

The year 1955 was a defining moment in Nigeria’s journey toward self-government. Discussions about regional autonomy, federalism, and national unity filled public spaces, as political leaders debated how a post-colonial Nigeria should be structured. Against this backdrop, the Sunday Times newspaper launched a nationwide competition poll, inviting readers to voice their opinions on what form of government Nigeria should adopt.

The options presented to readers included:

A unitary government, in which all powers would be centralized;

Several federal models, granting varying degrees of autonomy to regions; or

The division of Nigeria into three separate countries, reflecting the growing tension among its major ethnic and regional groups.

This initiative was more than a newspaper poll — it was a mirror reflecting the pulse of an emerging nation, anxious yet hopeful about its destiny.

Public Debate and Political Consciousness

The Sunday Times poll became a conversation starter across homes, schools, and political circles. It symbolized a period when Nigerians were increasingly aware of their political rights and responsibilities. The poll also highlighted the critical role of the media as a space for dialogue and democratic participation long before independence was achieved in 1960.

At the time, newspapers such as the West African Pilot, Daily Times, and Sunday Times were instrumental in shaping national discourse. By engaging readers directly, the Sunday Times not only informed the public but also gave them a platform to influence the political direction of the country.

Other Stories on the Front Page

The September 4, 1955 issue was rich with other politically charged headlines. One notable story featured Magnus Williams, a politician who championed the creation of a separate Lagos State, arguing that Lagos should stand apart from the Western Region to better serve its unique political and economic interests. This demand, though not realized until 1967, foreshadowed later debates about state creation and local autonomy in Nigeria.

Another article reported an inquiry in which a witness accused Mr. Adegoke Adelabu, a prominent political figure from Ibadan, of demanding money in exchange for a promotion. This story highlighted early public concerns about corruption and accountability — themes that would continue to define Nigeria’s political narrative for decades.

A Glimpse Into Nigeria’s Political Heartbeat

Looking back, this 1955 newspaper serves as more than a historical artifact. It represents a moment when Nigeria’s citizens were being asked, perhaps for the first time, to think critically about the structure of their future government. The question, “What Does Nigeria Want?” was not just rhetorical — it was a national call to reflection.

As independence approached in 1960, the answers to this question would shape the Constitution, guide political reforms, and define Nigeria’s democratic identity.

Source:
Sunday Times (Lagos), September 4, 1955.
Archived copy available in the National Library of Nigeria, Lagos Microfilm Collection.
Referenced in Historical Nigerian Press Archives and secondary historical analyses of mid-20th-century Nigerian journalism.