Question 9
(a) Highlight three aims and objectives of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).
(b) Outline any four achievements of the party.
Observation
This was a popular question. The performance of the candidates who answered it was fairly average. However, some candidates did not score good marks because of skimpy answers in part ‘b’. The candidates were expected to provide the following answers to the question:
(a) Aims and objectives of UPN:
(i) To provide free education at all levels for all citizens of Nigeria with effect from October 1, 1979.
(ii) To integrate rural development with a view to increasing food production.
(iii) To provide health facility for all citizens.
(iv) To provide full and gainful employment for all.
(b) Achievements of UPN:
(i) The party won some governorship elections in 1979 and 1983 e.g. Lagos, Ogun, etc.
(ii) The party won some seats in National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives both 1979 and 1983.
(iii) The party pursued its free education programme in the states it controlled.
(iv) It provided free medical facilities in all the states controlled by the party.
(v) The party acted as a strong opposition to the ruling party, NPN in 1979 and in 1983.
(vi) The party promoted fiscal discipline in the states it controlled.
(vii) The party aroused national consciousness through its campaign.
(viii) UPN was the first political part to be formed in 1978 after the lift of ban on party politics.
(ix) The created an upset in Kwara state by winning the governorship election in 1983.