Womanifesto, a coalition of over 250 civil society organisations has raised alarm over what it described as the growing wave of violence, intimidation and harassment targeting women participating in Nigeria’s ongoing party primaries.

The group warned that the increasing attacks against female politicians and women supporters across party lines now pose a direct threat to democratic participation and inclusive governance in the country.

In a statement issued on Monday by its Convener, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, the coalition condemned the recent violent incident involving Ireti Kingibe and officials of the African Democratic Congress in Abuja, describing the development as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable.”

“Violence against women in politics is violence against democracy itself,” the statement declared.

Womanifesto said the incident involving Kingibe was “not an isolated case,” noting that reports of attacks against women during primary elections have emerged from several parts of the country within the past week.

According to the group, videos and reports from the All Progressives Congress primaries in the Bama/Ngala/Kala Balge Federal Constituency of Borno State allegedly showed women being “kicked, assaulted and violently driven out of polling stations.”

The coalition further alleged that Zainab Gimba was attacked by suspected 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,” the statement added.

“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.”

The coalition said the attacks reflect the broader realities faced by many women seeking political office or participating in governance processes across Nigeria.

“These incidents reflect the harsh reality many Nigerian women face simply for daring to participate in leadership, governance and public service,” the group stated.

“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.”

Womanifesto warned against what it called the “dangerous normalisation of political thuggery and gender-based violence” within Nigeria’s electoral system, insisting that democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere where women are silenced through violence and fear.

“A democratic process cannot be credible when women are beaten, silenced or driven away through fear and violence,” the coalition stressed.

The group called for immediate, transparent and independent investigations into all reported incidents of violence against women during the primaries, alongside the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators.

It also demanded accountability for any security personnel found to have neglected their responsibilities or compromised the safety of citizens during the electoral process.

The coalition further urged political parties to adopt and enforce zero tolerance policies against violence, intimidation and harassment targeting women.

“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,” the statement said.

Reaffirming solidarity with affected women, the coalition maintained that women have constitutional rights to participate in politics “freely, safely and without fear.”