Womanifesto a coalition of over 250 organizations across Nigeria, has condemned the rising spate of violence, intimidation, harassment and attacks against women participating in political processes in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by the convener, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi
Convener,they cited the violent assault involving Senator Ireti Kingibe, a female aspirant, and officials of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja which they described as  deeply disturbing and unacceptable. The group said sadly, this is not an isolated incident.
They noted that over the past week alone, disturbing reports have continued to emerge from different parts of the country, showing women being attacked, threatened, brutalised and forcefully prevented from participating in party primary elections.
In Borno State, Wonanifesto reported videos and reports from the APC primaries in the Bama/Ngala/Kala Balge Federal Constituency allegedly showed women being kicked, assaulted and violently driven out of polling stations. They further said they had also received troubling reports that Hon. Dr. Zainab Gimba was allegedly attacked by thugs during the primaries.
Even more concerning, the group said are allegations that security agencies present at some of these incidents failed to intervene or protect the women under attack. 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.
“These incidents reflect the harsh reality many Nigerian women face simply for daring to participate in leadership, governance and public service. 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”.
“Women in politics should not have to risk their safety, dignity or lives in order to serve their communities and country.
“Violence against women in politics is violence against democracy itself”
Womanifesto warned against the dangerous normalisation of political thuggery and gender-based violence within Nigeria’s electoral and party systems. A democratic process cannot be credible when women are beaten, silenced or driven away through fear and violence.
They went on to call for:
- Immediate, transparent and independent investigations into all reported cases of violence against women during the ongoing party primaries.
- Swift arrest and prosecution of all individuals responsible for sponsoring or carrying out these attacks.
- Accountability for any security personnel found to have neglected their duty or compromised the safety of citizens.
- Stronger protection measures for women participating in political activities and elections.
- Clear commitments by political parties to zero tolerance for violence, intimidation and harassment against women.
“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”.
Womanifesto expressed} solidarity with every woman who has experienced violence, intimidation or discrimination in the political process. We reaffirm that women have the constitutional right to participate in politics freely, safely and without fear.
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