He was a strong advocate of what he called "pragmatic socialism" and believed that agricultural reform was crucial to the ultimate success of Nigeria.

[2] Michael Okpara, an Ohuhu-Igbo, was born on Christmas day, 1920, at Umuegwu Okpuala, Ohuhu, in the area of Umuahia, in present-day Abia State of Nigeria.

[3] While involved in this practice, Okpara developed an interest in the Zikist Movement (named after Nnamdi Azikiwe), a militant wing of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC).

In November 1960, when Azikiwe left active politics to become Nigeria's first African Governor-General, Okpara was elected leader of the NCNC.

On 16 January 1966 a military coup brought Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi to power, terminating the first period of democratic rule.