Jane Salihu
The Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) and The Electoral Hub have raised the alarm over growing violence, intimidation and discrimination against women in politics, warning that Nigeria’s democratic future could be undermined if urgent measures are not taken ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The organizations said persistent attacks on women seeking elective positions are threatening inclusive participation in governance and weakening the foundations of democracy.
In a statement issued to mark the 10 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women in Politics (VAWP), themed “Safe Voices, Strong Democracy,” the groups said recent political developments have exposed the depth of structural, physical and digital violence confronting women across the country.
The statement, signed by Director of IRIAD-The Electoral Hub, Princess Hamman-Obels, noted that despite increasing calls for gender inclusion, women continue to face significant barriers within political parties and electoral processes.
According to the organizations, the recently concluded party primaries revealed widespread challenges faced by female aspirants, including pressure to withdraw from contests in favour of male candidates, intimidation, exclusion from decision-making processes and unequal access to political opportunities.
The groups expressed concern that the failure to pass the proposed Special Seats Bill for Women has further weakened efforts to address the historical underrepresentation of women in governance and public leadership.
They warned that many female politicians and aspirants are subjected to threats, harassment, physical attacks, destruction of campaign materials, character assassination and coordinated campaigns aimed at discouraging their participation in politics.
Beyond physical threats, the organizations highlighted the increasing use of digital platforms as tools for political violence against women, citing cases of cyberbullying, online harassment, misinformation, hate speech and targeted attacks designed to silence women and damage their reputations.
According to the statement, such acts are part of a broader pattern of gender-based political violence intended to exclude women from leadership positions and preserve existing inequalities in political representation.
“When women are forced to choose between their safety and their political ambitions, democracy suffers,” the groups stated.
They stressed that a democratic system can only be considered representative when women are able to contest elections, campaign, organize and hold public office without fear of intimidation, discrimination or violence.
The organizations therefore called on political parties, electoral institutions, security agencies, civil society groups and citizens to take deliberate steps to create a safer and more inclusive environment for women seeking political office.
They urged political actors to reject violence, hate speech, misinformation and gender-based attacks, while encouraging Nigerians to support candidates based on competence and vision rather than gender stereotypes.
IRIAD and The Electoral Hub also called for stronger legal protections, improved accountability mechanisms and sustained advocacy to ensure women can participate fully in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.
The groups maintained that Nigeria cannot achieve democratic consolidation or sustainable development while half of its population continues to face barriers to political participation.
They reaffirmed their commitment to advancing gender equality, protecting democratic rights and promoting a political environment where women can freely exercise their constitutional rights without fear.
According to them, safeguarding women in politics is not only a matter of human rights but also a critical requirement for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring credible elections in 2027.