Kogi Stakeholders Unite to End Electoral Violence, Boost Women’s Participation Ahead of 2027 Polls

Non-governmental organisations, political parties, electoral bodies, religious leaders, and civil society actors in Kogi State have resolved to work together to curb electoral violence and remove barriers hindering women’s participation in politics before the 2027 general elections.

The resolution was reached on Thursday during a state-level consultative forum aimed at improving inclusivity for women in the electoral process. Participants identified cultural and religious barriers, political victimisation, election-related violence, and the stigmatisation of women as major obstacles that must be urgently addressed.

Organised by the Challenged Parenthood Initiative in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, with support from UK International Development, the forum called for the elimination of all forms of violence and discrimination against women in politics.

In her address, CPI Executive Director Mrs. Eunice Abimbola Agbogun stated the project seeks to strengthen women’s knowledge of electoral laws and deepen their engagement with key institutions like INEC and political parties. She noted that despite constitutional guarantees, women at the subnational level still face systemic exclusion due to factors including socio-economic disadvantages, limited party representation, and electoral violence.

Chairman of the Kogi NGO Network, Mr. Hamza Aliyu, urged political parties to design deliberate policies to encourage women to seek elective office.

Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Mrs. Comfort Ojoma Egwuaba, commended the dialogue, stressing the need to move beyond lip service and correct harmful societal norms that discourage women from politics.

Representatives from INEC and the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) emphasised that promoting inclusive participation is a collective responsibility and a democratic necessity.

The forum concluded with a shared commitment from stakeholders to intensify advocacy, ensure peaceful elections, and guarantee fuller inclusion of women in Kogi’s political processes ahead of 2027.