Samuel Ikoku: The First Nigerian to Defeat His Father in an Election

Samuel Ikoku made history in Nigeria by defeating his father, Alvan Ikoku, in a 1957 election, marking the first time a child triumphed over a parent in politics. Born in 1922 and educated in England, he became an advocate for Nigeria’s independence, co-founding numerous political movements and serving in significant government roles during his career, ultimately aligning with various political ideologies until his passing in 1997.

In the landscape of Nigeria’s politics, a notable historical event occurred when Samuel Ikoku made headlines as the first Nigerian to defeat his father, Alvan Ikoku, in an election. This unprecedented occurrence took place during the 1957 Eastern House of Assembly elections, where Samuel garnered victory by a slim margin of 59 votes against his father, who was also a prominent political figure depicted on the ₦10 note.

Samuel Ikoku was born on July 24, 1922, to parents Alvan Azinna and Grace Ikoku in Arochukwu, Abia State. He pursued his education at Achimota College and furthered his studies at the University College, Southampton, where he became an ardent supporter of Nigeria’s independence movement, contributing articles to the West African Pilot.

Following his graduation, Samuel actively engaged with the independence movement, serving as an adviser to the Nigerian Federation of Labour and co-founding the United Working People’s Party in 1952, which later faced disbandment by the government for its purportedly subversive ideologies. His involvement subsequently transitioned to the Action Group, a political party dominant during the First Republic.

A controversial figure, as termed by Sam Momah, Ikoku was known for his blunt critiques of national issues and governance, opposing the Legislative Council that included his father as a member. His election victory in 1957 marked a significant political career, leading him to represent the Action Group and serve as the opposition leader.

His political journey faced challenges when he fled to Ghana in 1962 amid turmoil within the Western Region House of Assembly and the ensuing Treasonable Felony Trial, which he did not return to contest due to his absence in Nigeria. While in Ghana, he continued his political activities by organizing a party branch and lecturing at the Ideological Institute associated with Nkrumah, along with editing Spark Magazine.

During the Nigerian Civil War, Samuel Ikoku opposed the secession, later holding positions as commissioner for Economic Development and Health in the East Central State after returning from Ghana. He eventually distanced himself from the Action Group to join Aminu Kano’s People’s Redemption Party during the Second Republic, later becoming the party’s Secretary-General and advocating for the rights of the ‘talakawa’.

In the 1979 presidential election, Samuel served as running mate to Aminu Kano, who unfortunately lost to Shehu Shagari. Over time, he began to move away from his original socialist ideals, ultimately becoming an adviser to the Shagari administration. His involvement with the military’s role in politics during Babangida’s and Abacha’s regimes led him to serve as deputy chairman of the Transition Implementation Committee, pushing for Abacha to be considered for vice-presidential candidature.

Samuel Ikoku’s remarkable journey concluded with his passing in 1997, leaving behind a legacy characterized by his unique political contributions and the historical significance of his electoral win against his father.

Samuel Ikoku’s victory over his father in the 1957 election marked a pivotal moment in Nigerian politics. His unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s independence and political evolution is evident through his various roles and affiliations throughout his career. Ikoku’s journey illustrates a narrative of defiance against familial and cultural norms in pursuit of democracy, culminating in a lasting impact on the nation’s political landscape.

Original Source: businessday.ng