WOMANIFESTO, a coalition of more than 250 women’s rights and civil society organisations, has expressed concern over the increasing violence against women participating in Nigeria’s political process, warning that the trend poses a serious danger to democratic participation and inclusive governance.
The group condemned recent attacks involving Ireti Kingibe, Hon. Dr, Zainab Gimba and other women during the ongoing party primary elections across the country.
In a statement signed by its Convener, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, the coalition described the violent incident involving Kingibe and officials of the African Democratic Congress in Abuja as troubling and unacceptable.
“The violent assault involving Senator Ireti Kingibe, a female aspirant, and officials of the ADC in Abuja is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident,” the statement read.
The coalition noted that reports of attacks, intimidation and harassment against women have continued to emerge from different parts of the country since the commencement of party primaries.
According to the group, reports and videos from the All Progressives Congress primaries in the Bama/Ngala/Kala Balge Federal Constituency of Borno State allegedly showed women being assaulted and forcefully chased away from polling centres.
The statement added that Gimba was also reportedly attacked by suspected thugs during the primaries.
Womanifesto further expressed concern over allegations that security personnel present during some of the incidents failed to protect the victims or stop the attacks.
“Reports suggesting compromise or complicity by security personnel raise serious questions about the safety of women in Nigeria’s political environment and the willingness of institutions to uphold justice and democratic participation,” the group said.
The coalition lamented that many women in politics continue to face threats, violence and humiliation simply for seeking leadership positions and participating in governance.
“These incidents reflect the harsh reality many Nigerian women face simply for daring to participate in leadership, governance and public service,” the statement added.
“Across political parties and regions, women continue to face threats, intimidation, physical violence, humiliation and systemic exclusion in spaces where they should be protected and respected.”
The organisation warned against the growing normalisation of political thuggery and gender-based violence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
“Violence against women in politics is violence against democracy itself,” the coalition stressed.
“A democratic process cannot be credible when women are beaten, silenced or driven away through fear and violence.”
The group called for immediate investigations into all reported incidents of attacks against women during the primaries and demanded the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
It also urged security agencies to ensure accountability for personnel accused of negligence or compromise during the incidents.
Womanifesto further called on political parties to adopt stronger protection mechanisms for women and enforce zero tolerance for violence, intimidation and harassment against female politicians and supporters.
“Nigeria’s political space cannot continue to operate like a battlefield where violence and impunity are used to silence women’s voices and exclude them from leadership,” the statement added.
