A-Goal Initiative Launches Project to Track Violence Against Women in Politics Ahead of 2027 Elections

Abuja, 2 October 2026 — On the International Day of Non-Violence, A-Goal Initiative has launched a project to track Violence Against Women in Politics (VAW-P) in Nigeria, as the country builds momentum toward the 2027 General Elections.

The launch comes with a plain demand: equal safety across all civic and political spaces. True democracy cannot thrive when women, men, boys or girls face intimidation, harassment or violence for exercising their rights or participating in public life.

Why the early signs matter

Extreme incidents of violence are often preceded by less visible forms of harassment, intimidation and abuse against women in politics, many of which go unreported. Recognising and addressing these early warning signs is essential to preventing further escalation.

That is the gap this project is built to close. What goes unrecorded cannot be answered — not by party structures, not by security agencies, and not by the institutions meant to protect political participation. A pattern that no one is counting is a pattern that no one can act on.

Political disagreement is normal; violence is unacceptable.

How the project works

The initiative will track incidents through an early-warning, self-reporting, verification and third-party support mechanism, across four key components of VAW-P. The aim is to generate nuanced insights that strengthen strategic efforts to identify emerging threats, document violations, and support timely responses.

Verification sits at the centre of the design. Reports are not treated as findings until they have been checked, so that the record A-Goal builds can bear the weight of the decisions it is meant to inform.

A message to political actors

As the country moves toward 2027, A-Goal Initiative reminds all political actors that political disagreement is a natural part of a thriving democracy, but it must never cross the line into harassment, intimidation, or violence.

Let us contest with ideas, challenge perspectives, and engage in healthy political debate, while working together to ensure a safe, equal and inclusive political arena for every woman. Let us protect women’s participation and build a safer, more inclusive Nigeria for all.

About the International Day of Non-Violence

The International Day of Non-Violence is marked on 2 October each year, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 to reaffirm the principle of non-violence and the desire to secure a culture of peace, tolerance and understanding.

Take part

A-Goal Initiative is currently recruiting Media Data Fellows to monitor and verify media and civic information in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones for the VAW-P and GovTap projects. Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 11 October 2026.

For media enquiries, write to info@agoalinitiative.org. The original announcement is on X.