Party Primaries: Group Demands Protection For Women Participants

A group of over 250 organisations across Nigeria, Womanifesto has condemned the growing wave of violence, intimidation, harassment and attacks against women participating in political processes across Nigeria.

In a press statement signed by Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi Convener, Womanifesto Nigeria, said
the violent assault involving Senator Ireti Kingibe, a female aspirant, and officials of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident.

Afolabi said 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, 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. We have also received troubling reports that Hon. Dr. Zainab Gimba was allegedly attacked by thugs during the primaries.

“Even more concerning 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,” Afolabi said.

According to the group, women in politics should not have to risk their safety, dignity or lives in order to serve their communities and country.

It added; “Violence against women in politics is violence against democracy itself. Womanifesto warns 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.”

It further called for immediate, transparent and independent investigations into all reported cases of violence against women during the ongoing party primaries and 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.”