Women in Politics Forum (WiPF) has expressed concern over what it described as growing violence, intimidation, and systematic exclusion of female aspirants during ongoing political party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation stated that the current primary election process has exposed what it called a troubling misuse of the “consensus candidate” system, which it claims is being used to sideline women from participating fully in the political process.
WiPF also condemned the reported physical assault on Ireti Kingibe during the recent African Democratic Congress primaries and called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately arrest and prosecute those responsible.
In a statement issued by the Executive Director of the forum, Ebere Ifendu, the group said the situation represents a serious threat to women’s political rights and democratic participation in Nigeria.
According to the statement, many women entered the current political cycle with optimism following previous commitments by political parties to improve female representation through advocacy and inclusion efforts.
However, WiPF alleged that the ongoing primaries have instead revealed increasing barriers confronting female aspirants.
The group specifically criticised the use of consensus arrangements, claiming the process has contributed to a sharp decline in the number of women emerging as party candidates.
WiPF also referenced the reported disqualification of Ipalibo Banigo, describing the grounds for her exclusion as questionable and discouraging to other women seeking political office.
The organisation further stated that it has documented rising cases of intimidation and harassment directed at female aspirants across political parties.
According to WiPF, some women have allegedly been pressured to withdraw from races, denied access to nomination forms, subjected to online harassment, and, in some instances, physically attacked.
The forum described the alleged attack on Senator Kingibe and another female aspirant within a party secretariat as deeply disturbing and unacceptable.
WiPF warned that continued violence and exclusion against women in politics could further weaken female representation in governance, which it said currently remains significantly low in Nigeria.
The organisation called on political parties to conduct transparent and lawful primary elections while ensuring equal opportunities for all aspirants regardless of gender.
It also urged security agencies to take proactive steps to protect women participating in political activities nationwide.
Additionally, WiPF demanded a review of the disqualification of Senator Banigo and any other female aspirants allegedly removed from the process without proper justification under party guidelines.
The forum warned that Nigerian women would continue to challenge any actions or institutions perceived to be obstructing women’s political participation through legal and advocacy channels.
