The NPN presidential candidate in the Second Republic was

Analyze the question: The question asks who flew the flag of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) as presidential candidate during the Second Republic (1979-1983).

Explain the concept: The Second Republic began after military rule ended in 1979. Five political parties contested the elections, and each had a well-known presidential candidate:

| Party | Presidential Candidate | |---|---| | NPN (National Party of Nigeria) | Alhaji Shehu Shagari | | UPN (Unity Party of Nigeria) | Chief Obafemi Awolowo | | NPP (Nigerian People's Party) | Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe | | PRP (People's Redemption Party) | Mallam Aminu Kano | | GNPP (Great Nigeria People's Party) | Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim |

Solution:

• Option A, Obafemi Awolowo, was the candidate of the UPN. Eliminate.
• Option B, Shehu Shagari, was the candidate of the NPN. He won the 1979 election and became the first executive President of Nigeria. This matches.
• Option C, Aminu Kano, was the candidate of the PRP. Eliminate.
• Option D, Nnamdi Azikiwe, was the candidate of the NPP. Eliminate.

Answer: Option B, Shehu Shagari.

Exam tip: Link each party to its leader with a quick memory pairing:

• NPN → Shagari
• UPN → Awolowo ("Unity" and the Action Group tradition)
• NPP → Azikiwe (the NCNC/Zik tradition)
• PRP → Kano (the "redemption" of the talakawa, or common people)

JAMB often asks about these pairings, as well as the 1979 election controversy over the "two-thirds of 19 states" interpretation, so remember that too.