Transition to the Fourth Republic: JAMB History Questions, Answers & Notes

What Transition to the Fourth Republic covers in the JAMB History syllabus

The transition to the Fourth Republic was led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who took over after the death of Abacha in 1998. He organised a quick, credible transition to civilian rule: a new constitution (the 1999 Constitution) was drawn up, providing for a presidential system and separation of powers, and elections were held in 1999 to choose the President, governors and legislators. The Fourth Republic began in 1999 with Olusegun Obasanjo — who had earlier been military head of state in the 1970s — as the first elected President, with a President and a National Assembly. The 1999 handover ended a long period of military rule and restored democratic/civilian government; the transition was widely seen as successful, and the Fourth Republic has lasted longer than the earlier republics. The main point: the transition led by Abubakar restored democracy in 1999, beginning the Fourth Republic under Obasanjo.

For Transition to the Fourth Republic, JAMB expects you to be able to:

• Recall the transition led by Abdulsalami Abubakar (after Abacha's death, 1998)
• Recall the 1999 Constitution, the start of the Fourth Republic (1999) and first President (Obasanjo)
• Note it ended long military rule and restored democratic/presidential government

Key facts & revision notes: Transition to the Fourth Republic

These are the recurring points our Transition to the Fourth Republic questions test — revise them until each feels automatic, then practise the questions above to lock them in.

• The transition to the Fourth Republic was led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
• Abdulsalami Abubakar took over after the death of Abacha in 1998.
• Abubakar organised a quick, credible transition to civilian rule.
• A new constitution (the 1999 Constitution) was drawn up for the Fourth Republic.
• The Fourth Republic began in 1999.
• Olusegun Obasanjo was the first President of the Fourth Republic (elected 1999).
• The Fourth Republic uses a presidential system of government.
• The 1999 handover ended a long period of military rule.
• Obasanjo had earlier been a military head of state in the 1970s (1976-79).
• The Fourth Republic restored democratic/civilian government to Nigeria.
• Elections were held in 1999 to choose the President, governors and legislators.
• The transition was widely seen as successful and credible.
• The Fourth Republic has a President and a National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives).
• The 1999 Constitution provides for separation of powers among the arms of government.
• The Fourth Republic has lasted longer than the earlier republics.
• Abdulsalami Abubakar led the transition.
• Obasanjo was the first President of the Fourth Republic.
• The 1999 handover ended military rule.
• The main point is that the transition led by Abubakar restored democracy in 1999, beginning the Fourth Republic under Obasanjo.

Worked examples

Three Transition to the Fourth Republic questions with the answer and a short explanation, so you can see how the topic is set before you practise the full set.

How Transition to the Fourth Republic is tested in JAMB History

Our Transition to the Fourth Republic bank holds 20 questions (2 easy, 16 medium, 2 hard). JAMB History typically returns to Transition to the Fourth Republic year after year, so steady practice on this topic is high-value revision. Questions are multiple-choice with four options, and at UTME pace you get roughly 40 seconds each — which is why timed practice matters.

How to answer Transition to the Fourth Republic questions

Work the stem first and predict the answer before you look at the options; then eliminate the ones that contradict the key facts above. Watch for “which is not…”, “all of the above” and “except” style stems, which are where rushed candidates lose easy marks on Transition to the Fourth Republic. If a calculation or a precise definition is involved, work it from first principles rather than guessing from a half-remembered rule. When two options look right, re-read the stem for the qualifier that separates them — JAMB rarely repeats an option by accident. If you are still unsure, eliminate the two weakest choices to lift your odds, flag the question, and move on; never burn a full minute on one History item when the exam gives you about forty seconds each. Then come back to flagged questions with whatever time remains. The single most reliable way to get faster at Transition to the Fourth Republic is repeated timed practice, so use the button above until the recurring patterns feel automatic.

Common mistakes to avoid in Transition to the Fourth Republic

The errors that cost marks on Transition to the Fourth Republic are usually careless rather than conceptual: misreading a negative stem, confusing two similar terms, or rushing a definition you actually know. Candidates also over-rely on “expo” and last-minute cramming instead of understanding the topic — which fails the moment JAMB rephrases a familiar idea. Treat every option as a claim to be checked against the facts above, keep your working tidy for any calculation, and don’t change a considered answer on a hunch. Above all, revise Transition to the Fourth Republic actively by answering questions, not just by re-reading notes — recall under time is what the exam rewards.

Frequently asked questions

Is Transition to the Fourth Republic part of the JAMB History syllabus?

Yes. Transition to the Fourth Republic is a recognised topic in the JAMB History syllabus, covering recall the transition led by Abdulsalami Abubakar (after Abacha's death, 1998). You should be able to recall its key facts and apply them to multiple-choice questions.

How many Transition to the Fourth Republic questions can I practise on Belmadeng?

There are 20 original, JAMB-standard Transition to the Fourth Republic questions in our free bank, each with the correct answer and a worked explanation. You can practise them untimed or as a timed test.

What are the most important points to know about Transition to the Fourth Republic?

The transition to the Fourth Republic was led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who took over after the death of Abacha in 1998. He organised a quick, credible transition to civilian rule: a new constitution (the 1999 Constitution) was drawn up, providing for a presidential system and separation of p…

How do I answer Transition to the Fourth Republic questions quickly in JAMB?

Read the stem carefully, eliminate clearly wrong options, and match the remaining choices to the key facts for Transition to the Fourth Republic. Practising timed Transition to the Fourth Republic questions builds the speed you need for UTME's pace of about 40 seconds per question.

Are these JAMB History Transition to the Fourth Republic questions past questions or original?

They are original questions written to JAMB (UTME) standard and mapped to the official syllabus — not reproduced past papers. This keeps them legal to use freely while closely mirroring how the real exam tests the topic.

Where can I practise Transition to the Fourth Republic questions free without signing up?

Right here — tap “Start Transition to the Fourth Republic practice” on this page to begin instantly. Belmadeng's CBT practice is completely free and needs no sign-up, download or subscription.

About these questions: original, JAMB-standard items written from the official UTME History syllabus (last reviewed 2026-09-18). Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB. Spotted an error? Use the report link.