1959 Northern Cameroons referendum

{{Short description|Referendum that postponed union with Nigeria}}

{{infobox referendum

|image=The National Archives UK - CO 1069-24-11.jpg

|caption=Poster with referendum instructions

|date=November 1959

|country=British Cameroon

|yes_text=Postpone decision

|no_text=Union with Nigeria

|yes=70,546

|no=42,788

|invalid=525

|electorate=129,549

}}

A referendum on becoming part of Nigeria was held in the Northern Cameroons in November 1959.[http://africanelections.tripod.com/referenda.html#1959_British_Northern_Cameroons_Plebiscite Sub-National Referendums in Sub-Saharan Africa] African Elections Database Voters were given the choice between a union with Nigeria and postponing the decision. Voters favoured the latter, with 62.25% voting to postpone the decision. A second referendum was held in 1961, with 60% voting to join Nigeria and 40% voting to join Cameroon.