Hadiza Abubakar
Stakeholders have called for stronger inclusion of women and persons with disabilities (PWDs), enhanced civic education, and strict punishment for perpetrators of electoral violence as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The call followed a three-day capacity-building workshop organised by the European Union and Foundation for International Development Assistance (FIAP) through the EPSG Project, aimed at strengthening women’s political participation and preventing electoral conflict.
Speaking at the close of the workshop, the lead organiser, Barrister Adeniyi Aremu, Executive Director of the Civil Society Organization for Conflict Resolution in Nigeria (CS-CRIN), said women must begin to leverage their population strength and voting power to influence credible leadership.
“Women have the largest voting power and population. They must use that power to elect credible leaders,” he said.
He stressed the need for women to build synergy and support one another across political divides, while also urging men to support female aspirants.
As part of immediate action points, he disclosed that participants would write to the Nigerian Senate regarding ongoing discussions on a reserved seats bill to improve women’s representation.
Barrister Aremu encouraged women to be more vocal and visible in the political space.
“When you see what is not right, say it is not right.
“When women are marginalised, speak out,” he said.
Also speaking, Professor Dahiru J. Usman of the Faculty of Law, Bayero University Kano, identified poor upbringing and the militarisation of youth as often overlooked drivers of electoral violence.
He noted that political actors frequently exploit young people as thugs to disrupt the electoral process, adding that neglect of community-based early warning mechanisms allows violence to escalate beyond polling units.
Professor Usman emphasised that free, fair and transparent elections can only be achieved where offenders are held accountable.
“Those who cause mayhem, intimidation and harassment must be punished at all levels.
“The lack of punishment encourages others,” he said, calling for intensified voter education on peaceful elections.
Participants shared practical challenges affecting women and PWDs in the political process.
Rabi Yusuf, Executive Director of the Center for Empowerment of Older Persons and the Vulnerable (CEOPAV), said accessibility remains a major barrier for persons with disabilities.
“Even election grants are not accessible for persons with disabilities, and the process itself is difficult,” she said, urging stakeholders to ensure inclusive reforms and encouraging PWDs to actively claim their constitutional rights to vote and be voted for.
Aisha Haruna Kabuga of Women for Development and Empowerment identified cultural and religious norms as significant barriers to women’s political aspirations in Northern Nigeria.
“When religious or cultural narratives say women should not lead or should stay at home, it discourages participation,” she said, advocating gender equity and greater female representation in legislative spaces.
Halima Ben Umar of Women in Media Communication Initiative (WIM) underscored the role of the media in shaping public perception and amplifying women’s voices.
“Women and young people are the majority of voters, yet they are underrepresented in decision-making positions,” she noted, calling for stronger collaboration between women’s groups and the media to push for inclusive governance.
The workshop concluded with renewed commitments from participants to promote inclusive participation, strengthen community-driven conflict prevention strategies, and demand accountability as part of broader efforts to reduce electoral violence in Nigeria.
