Which of the following was not a feature of the 1922 elective principle in Nigeria?

A. it restricted suffrage to men
B. it confined elections to Lagos and Calabar
C. it required a property qualification worth 100.00
D. only four members were elected into the legislative council
E. British citizens were allowed to vote

Correct Answer:

Option E – British citizens were allowed to vote

FEATURES OF THE CLIFFORD CONSTITUTION

• The introduction of elective principle.
• It encouraged the development of political parties.
• Members in the legislative council were increased (46 members).
• The elective principle was restricted to Lagos and Calabar.
• Northern Province was not represented.
• Governor made laws for the country.

MERITS OF THE CLIFFORD CONSTITUTION

• It provided room for the formation of political parties like NNDP.
• It offered a wider scope for African participation in politics.
• It also created room for the bringing up of newspapers such as Lagos Daily News and the Daily Times Nigeria Plc in 1925.
• It introduced elective principle in Nigeria.
• The introduction of the elective principle led to an upsurge in political consciousness.

DEMERITS OF THE CLIFFORD CONSTITUTION

• Africans were excluded from the executive council.
• Whites dominated the legislative council.
• The legislative council was only advisory.
• Governor enjoyed unlimited powers.
• North was excluded from the legislature.