By Justina Auta
Womanifesto Nigeria, a coalition of more than 250 organisations, has condemned rising cases of violence, intimidation and harassment against women participating in political activities across Nigeria.
The group’s Convener, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, described the alleged assault involving Sen. Ireti Kingibe and officials of the African Democratic Congress in Abuja as disturbing and unacceptable.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Akiyode-Afolabi said reports from different parts of the country showed women being attacked, threatened and forcefully prevented from participating in party primary elections.
She cited alleged incidents during the APC primaries in Bama/Ngala/Kala Balge Federal Constituency of Borno State, where women were reportedly kicked, assaulted and violently driven away from polling centres.
“Even more concerning are allegations that security agencies present at some of these incidents failed to intervene or protect the women under attack,” she said.
Akiyode-Afolabi added that allegations of compromise or complicity by security personnel raised serious concerns about women’s safety in Nigeria’s political environment and the commitment of institutions to democratic participation.
“These incidents reflect the harsh reality many Nigerian women face simply for daring to participate in leadership, governance and public service,” she stated.
The group warned against what it described as the growing 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,” the statement added.
Womanifesto called for thorough investigations into reported attacks against women during ongoing party primaries, prosecution of perpetrators, and sanctions against security personnel found negligent or complicit.
The coalition also demanded stronger protection measures for women participating in politics and urged political parties to adopt zero tolerance for violence, intimidation and harassment against female aspirants.
“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,” Akiyode-Afolabi said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
