Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the wordpress-seo domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/bcm/src/dev/www/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121 Nigeria Election History | Zikoko!
Thank you for your interest in the Citizen Election Report: Navigating Nigeria’s Political Journey. This comprehensive ebook offers an in-depth analysis and exploration of Nigeria’s political scene from 1999 to 2023, providing valuable insights into the country’s electoral processes, challenges, and opportunities. It’ll also equip you with all you need to know to actively participate in shaping Nigeria’s future.
What You’ll Find in the Citizen Election Report:
Historical Overview: Gain a deep understanding of Nigeria’s political evolution since the start of the Fourth Republic in 1999.
Election Analysis: Dive into the analysis of presidential, national assembly, governorship, and state assembly elections held during this period. Understand the electoral processes, major controversies, and their impact on governance.
Youth Engagement: Discover your role as Gen Z in Nigerian politics and explore how you can drive change and shape the political landscape.
Digital Reforms and New Media: Learn about the influence of multimedia and new media platforms on Nigeria’s political discourse, including the rise of fake news and the digital reform of the electoral system.
How to Download the Citizen Election Report:
Click on the download button below to start your download.
The report is available in PDF format, compatible with all devices.
Please note that the contents of this report are protected intellectual property. We kindly request that you properly credit Zikoko Citizen if you share or use any part of the report. Your support for respecting intellectual property rights is greatly appreciated.
But as rare as it sounds, Nigeria’s political history is sprinkled with the tales of many great women and their exploits. From Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti to Chief Alimotu Pelewura, women have been involved in Nigeria’s struggles towards democratic freedom.
One of these women is Margaret Ekpo, Nigeria’s first female politician who was known to mobilise women around the country for social justice causes. Let’s tell her story here
Ekpo as Nigeria’s First Female Politician
As a wife and teacher, Ekpo’s political interests grew due to her husband’s displeasure with the poor treatment of Nigerian doctors by colonial masters. She, later on, started her political journey in 1945. This was by joining the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) at a political meeting in Aba.
She was responsible for the formation of the NCNC women’s wing. This was along with the wife of the leader of the party, Flora Nnamdi Azikiwe. Azikiwe became its first president with Ekpo as vice-president.
In 1953, she was nominated by the NCNC for a seat in the regional House of Chiefs. In 1954, she established the Aba Township Women’s Association which she used to fight for the economic rights and protections of women as well as the expansion of their political rights.
As the ‘boss lady’ of the ‘new market’ group, she was able to gain the trust of a large amount of women in the township. She channeled their energies into exerting political pressure on the government. By 1955, women in Aba outnumbered male voters in a city-wide election because of her work.
In 1960, Ekpo became the president of NCNC women’s wing after Flora Azikiwe became the first lady. As president, she continued to lead women in canvassing for party candidates across the country, forming a formidable campaign team.
Ekpo won a seat in the Eastern Regional House of Assembly in 1961. This made her become the first Aba woman to attain this achievement. Her position enabled her to fight for the progress of women in economic and political matters. This includes the availability of transportation on major roads leading to markets. After a military coup ended the First Republic, she took a less prominent approach to politics.
Ekpo the Activist
Ekpo started her activism in 1949. This was during a protest in Enugu at Iva Valley mining site. Coal miners requested a wage increase and their ring-leaders were shot by colonial officers.
Ekpo got in touch with other women leaders around the country (most notably Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti) and they declared a day of national mourning for the victims. This helped draw attention to the incident not only in Nigeria, but also across the world.
During the demonstrations on the day of mourning, she made a controversial speech that stepped on the toes of the British.
She was later arrested because of this. Alongside her were her contemporaries Jaja Nwachukwu (the first Speaker of the country’s House of Representatives), Samuel Mazi and Nwachukwu Abengowe. They were harassed and threatened with deportation. In retaliation, the women of Aba threatened to set the town ablaze. Eventually, Ekpo and the others were set free.
In the early 1950s, a fellow police officer murdered Mrs Onyia. This was because she rejected his advances. The authorities covered up the murder to avoid controversy. However, Ekpo and the Aba women stormed the Enugu Prisons Department. They demanded to see her burial site.
When the white superintendent rebuffed them, they threatened to break the prison gates and enter forcibly. The guards allowed them in. They exhumed the body and carried out an autopsy. They found out the truth and executed the guilty warden.
Honours and Awards
In 2001, the government named Calabar airport after her. Her name graces the Ekpo Refectory at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and various other buildings and structures across the nation. Until her death in 2006, she was the Life Patron of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).
