National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons

African political organization

Also known as: NCNC

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July 15, 2026

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The National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) was a significant political organization formed in 1944 by Herbert Macaulay and Nnamdi Azikiwe. It emerged from a desire to unite over 40 diverse groups to challenge British colonial rule in Nigeria and the Cameroons. The NCNC played a crucial role in mobilizing various segments of society, including soldiers, media, youth, market women, and educated individuals, towards the anticolonial movement.1

Following Nigeria's independence in 1960, the NCNC, under Azikiwe's leadership, formed a coalition with the Northern People's Congress (NPC). Azikiwe became the ceremonial president of the Senate, while Abubakar Tafawa Balewa of the NPC served as prime minister. The party's influence continued into the early years of the republic, though regional stresses and ethnic competition eventually led to political instability.23

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Nnamdi Azikiwe
…as a founder of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), which became increasingly identified with the Igbo people of southern Nigeria after 1951. In 1948, with the backing of the NCNC, Azikiwe was elected to the Nigerian Legislative Council, and he later served as premier of the…
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…as a founder of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), which became increasingly identified with the Igbo people of southern Nigeria after 1951. In 1948, with the backing of the NCNC, Azikiwe was elected to the Nigerian Legislative Council, and he later served as premier of the…
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Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
…as the candidate of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), which she had helped found in 1944. In 1953 the FNWS became affiliated with the Women’s International Democratic Federation, and Ransome-Kuti was elected a vice president of the organization. She subsequently lectured in several countries on the…
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…as the candidate of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), which she had helped found in 1944. In 1953 the FNWS became affiliated with the Women’s International Democratic Federation, and Ransome-Kuti was elected a vice president of the organization. She subsequently lectured in several countries on the…
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