The British policy of divide and rule militated against a united front against imperialism. Frederick Lugard introduced a policy by which Northern Nigeria was governed as a distinct territory from the South. Lugard ruled the North through Emirs who, jealous of losing their power, were steadfast against change.

Northern opposition to amalgamation with the South was given voice in 1947 by Tafawa Balewa

The imposition of weak constitutions by Britain on Nigeria had an adverse impact.

The rise of many political parties due to Britain's delay to grant independence accelerated disunity.

Imperialism and its oppressive policies strengthened regional distrust /rivalry. It became difficult as leaders of various regions came into competition for jobs and influence with leaders of other regions.

Parties were also formed on regional basis eg. NPC led by Ahmadu Bello maintained a slogan "One North, one people."

The large size of Nigeria provided serious difficulties.

Brutality of the colonialists instilled fear in the Nigerians.

Racism was another obstacle. British imperialists discriminated against Africans eg at political level, there was no intention to secure greater participation by Africans in the management of their own affairs.

The weaknesses of colonial education undermined the progress towards independence. The British education system created a class of the elite and the uneducated

Religious differences were a divisive factor. Missionaries (agents of imperialism) introduced Christianity mainly in the South; Moslems dominated the North. These differences militated against unity.

Lack of unifying language presented communication problems. Nigeria has many tribes each speaking own language. English that would have served as a medium of communication was not widely spoken as highlighted already in the weakness of the colonial education system.

Ideological differences prolonged the struggle for independence further. Nigerians who were already divided by imperialism could not make joint decisions.