The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties against the intimidation of female politicians ahead of party primaries.
The Commission noted that it has undertaken critical reforms of facilities and has put in place measures to accommodate all candidates irrespective of their gender.
A National Commissioner of INEC, Gladys Nwanuma made this disclosure at a conference which focused on enhancing opportunities for female candidates in the 2015 elections in Abuja.
The conference was attended by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan and other prominent women.
Channels Television’s Gloria Ume-Ezeoke reports that during every election, there’s a trend, where more women are seen coming out of their homes to take part in political rallies.
She however notes that “the swing ends there, because when it comes to representation, women candidates account for a dismal percentage in the elections”.
It was against this backdrop that INEC called special attention to the issue and warned against intimidation of any kind.
Recent statistics by the World Economic Forum’s Annual Gender Gap Report, show that Nigeria declined considerably, ranking 102 of 142 countries in women’s political participation.
Participants at the forum agreed that the intimidation of women in politics is one glaring problem that gets less attention in the country.
