One criticism levelled against the pre-independence political parties in West Africa was that some of them

Analyze the question The question asks for a criticism made against some pre-independence political parties in West Africa. The key phrase is "some of them", so we need a weakness that applied to certain parties, not all.

Explain the concept Pre-independence parties in West Africa (e.g., the NCNC, Action Group and Northern People's Congress in Nigeria, the UGCC and CPP in Ghana) were formed to push for self-government. A common criticism, especially in Nigeria, was that many of them were built around ethnic or regional bases rather than the whole country:

• Action Group: mainly Yoruba and the Western Region
• Northern People's Congress: mainly Hausa-Fulani and the North
• NCNC: largely Igbo-dominated, though it began with a broader national outlook

This regionalism deepened ethnic rivalry and contributed to later political instability.

Evaluate the options

• A. Did not possess credible programmes: Incorrect. Most parties had clear manifestos centred on self-government, education and development.
• B. Did not contribute to political development: Incorrect. They led the independence struggle and educated people politically, so this is too sweeping.
• C. Were not national in outlook: Correct. Many were regional or ethnic in membership and appeal.
• D. Were instruments of the colonial administration: Incorrect. They opposed colonial rule, even if the methods differed.

Exam tip: When a question says "some of them" and asks about West African parties, think of regionalism and ethnicity. "Not national in outlook" is the standard answer for this type of question.