The elective principle was first introduced under

Analyze the question: The question asks which constitution first introduced the elective principle in Nigeria, meaning the first time Nigerians were allowed to vote for some of their own representatives in the Legislative Council.

Explain the concept: The elective principle is the idea that some members of a legislative body are chosen by voting rather than being appointed by the colonial governor. It is a key step in Nigeria's journey to self-government.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Clifford Constitution (1922): Introduced the elective principle for the first time. Four Nigerians were elected: three from Lagos (2 from Lagos and 1 from Calabar), with limited voting rights based on income (£100 per year) and residence. It also created the Legislative Council covering Southern and Colony Nigeria.
2. Richards Constitution (1946): Introduced regionalism, created regional Houses of Assembly (Northern, Western, Eastern), and brought the North into the central legislature. It did not introduce the elective principle.
3. Macpherson Constitution (1951): Extended the elective principle through indirect elections and a wider franchise, but it was not the first.
4. Lyttleton Constitution (1954): Established federalism, did not originate elections.

Answer: The elective principle was first introduced under the Clifford Constitution of 1922, which is option D.

Tip: Link "Clifford 1922" with "first elections" and remember the sequence: Clifford (1922, elections) → Richards (1946, regionalism) → Macpherson (1951, wider elections and ministers) → Lyttleton (1954, federalism). A handy phrase: "Come Read My Lecture", which gives you the order of the constitutions.