Which system of government was NOT practiced in Nigeria between 1960 and 1980?

Analyze the question: We need the system of government that Nigeria did NOT practice between 1960 and 1980.

Review Nigeria's history in that period:

• 1960-1966 (First Republic): Federal structure with a Parliamentary system (Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa).
• 1966-1979 (Military rule): General Aguiyi-Ironsi's Decree No. 34 of 1966 abolished the federation and introduced a Unitary system. Later military governments (Gowon, Murtala/Obasanjo) returned to a federal structure with a strong centre.
• 1979-1980: Second Republic began under Shehu Shagari with a Presidential system, and Nigeria remained Federal.

Check each option:

• A. Confederal: Nigeria never practiced it. A confederation is a loose union of sovereign states with a weak centre. Nigeria came close to the idea in the Aburi Accord discussions (1967), but it was never implemented. ✔ Not practiced
• B. Federal: Practiced (1960-66, 1967-79, and 1979 onward).
• C. Parliamentary: Practiced (1960-66).
• D. Presidential: Practiced (from 1979).
• E. Unitary: Practiced (1966, under Ironsi's Decree 34).

Answer: A. Confederal

Tip: Remember the pairing: 1960-66 = Federal + Parliamentary; 1966 = Unitary (Ironsi); 1979 = Presidential. Confederal is the odd one out because it was only proposed (Aburi) and never adopted.