The Sheroes of Nigerian Democracy

1. Justice Dolapo Akinsanya was a courageous judge who upheld the rule of law during military rule. Her landmark 1993 ruling declared the Interim National Government unconstitutional, reinforcing judicial independence and constitutional supremacy.
2. Hajia Gambo Sawaba was a bold northern activist and NEPU member who fought for women’s rights, education, and political participation. Despite multiple arrests, she remained a symbol of grassroots democracy and fearless civic resistance.
3. Kudirat Abiola led pro-democracy campaigns after the annulled 1993 elections and her husband’s imprisonment. She organized strikes, gained international attention, and was assassinated in 1996, becoming a martyr for democratic freedom.
4. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was a pioneering feminist and political leader who mobilized women through the Abeokuta Women’s Union, opposed colonialism, and demanded women’s political rights. Her activism influenced Nigeria’s constitutional and democratic evolution.
5. Margaret Ekpo was a trailblazing politician who mobilized women, became the first woman elected to a Nigerian legislative body, and advocated gender-inclusive democracy. She helped integrate women into national political life before and after independence.

These women reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape through activism, resistance, and advocacy, leaving a lasting legacy on the nation’s journey toward inclusive democracy.