By Chimezie Godfrey
The Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) and The Electoral Hub has raised concerns over the persistent violence and discrimination faced by women in Nigeria’s political space, warning that democracy cannot thrive when women are intimidated, excluded or prevented from participating fully in governance.
The group made the assertion in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Princess Hamman-Obels, Director of IRIAD-The Electoral Hub, to mark the 2026 edition of the 10 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women in Politics (VAWP), observed from June 3 to June 12 under the theme, “Safe Voices, Strong Democracy.”
According to Hamman-Obels, the safety and inclusion of women in politics are fundamental to democratic development, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
”No democracy can thrive when half of its population is silenced, intimidated, threatened, or excluded from political participation,” she said.
She noted that despite ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusion, women aspiring to political leadership continue to face significant barriers, including structural discrimination within political parties, political violence, harassment and online abuse.
Hamman-Obels lamented that many female aspirants who participated in the recently concluded party primaries encountered systemic obstacles that limited their chances of success.
”Many women aspirants experienced violence, particularly structural violence from political institutions reflected by structural barriers that continue to limit women’s political participation and representation,” she noted.
The organisations further expressed concern over the failure to pass the Special Seats Bill for Women, describing it as a missed opportunity to address the historical exclusion of women from political representation.
According to them, women continue to face pressure within political parties to withdraw from contests in favour of male aspirants, a practice they said undermines internal democracy and equal participation.
”In many instances, women are encouraged to withdraw from contests in the interest of so-called party arrangements or political calculations that prioritize male candidates, regardless of the qualifications, competence, or popularity of the women involved,” she said.
Beyond institutional barriers, Hamman-Obels highlighted the increasing prevalence of physical, psychological and digital violence against women in politics.
She said female politicians and aspirants are frequently subjected to threats, harassment, intimidation, blackmail, character assassination and attacks designed to discourage their participation in public life.
The Human Rights Activist also identified social media as a growing platform for gender-based political violence.
”Female politicians and aspirants are increasingly targeted through online harassment, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, hate speech, misinformation and disinformation campaigns aimed at damaging their reputations and silencing their voices,” she added.
The groups warned that violence against women in politics is not merely a women’s issue but a direct threat to democratic governance and inclusive representation.
”When women are forced to choose between their personal safety and their political aspirations, democracy itself is weakened,” she said.
As part of their recommendations ahead of the 2027 elections, Hamman-Obels called on political parties to adopt and enforce zero-tolerance policies against violence, intimidation and discrimination directed at women.
She also urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to demonstrate greater commitment to women’s political inclusion by revisiting the Special Seats Bill for Women and strengthening laws addressing political violence and gender-based discrimination.
She equally called upon security agencies to investigate all reported cases of violence against women in politics and ensure perpetrators are prosecuted irrespective of political affiliation or social status.
She further challenged political contestants to reject violence, intimidation and gender-based attacks, while urging civil society organisations to intensify monitoring, documentation and advocacy efforts.
She also appealed to Nigerians to support competent women seeking public office and reject harmful stereotypes that discourage women’s participation in politics.
”The 2027 General Elections present an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its commitment to inclusive democracy,” she said.
Reaffirming their commitment to advancing gender equity and democratic participation, the she stressed that safeguarding women in politics remains critical to Nigeria’s democratic future.
”The theme ‘Safe Voices, Strong Democracy’ reminds us that when women can speak, participate, contest, and lead without fear, democracy becomes stronger, more representative, and more accountable,” she added.
2027: Violence Against Women in Politics Threatens Democracy, Group Warn
