The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Tony Ojukwu, has declared that credible elections are a fundamental human right and not a privilege, stressed that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when the will of the people is respected.
Speaking as Nigerians commemorate Democracy Day, Ojukwu said the June 12, 1993 presidential election remained the country’s strongest evidence that free, fair and transparent elections are achievable when institutions act with integrity and uphold the rule of law.
He noted that the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu’s introduction of the Option A4 and Modified Open Ballot systems demonstrated that electoral credibility could be attained through sincerity on the part of electoral management bodies, transparency and strict adherence to legal provisions.
According to the NHRC boss, the right of citizens to participate in government through free and fair elections is guaranteed under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Ojukwu condemned practices such as voter suppression, vote buying, electoral violence and result manipulation, describing them as direct violations of the civil and political rights of Nigerians rather than mere procedural shortcomings.
He expressed concern that, more than three decades after the historic June 12 election, such violations continue to undermine public confidence in the electoral process, weaken democratic accountability and diminish the dignity of voters.
The Executive Secretary warned that when elections lack integrity, other fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, association, participation and peaceful assembly, are also placed at risk.
He therefore called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, security agencies, the judiciary, civil society organisations and the media to uphold neutrality, transparency and accountability in the conduct of elections.
Ojukwu further disclosed that the NHRC would intensify its monitoring of electoral processes across the country, document violations and pursue remedies for victims in line with its statutory mandate.
He also urged the National Assembly to strengthen laws that safeguard electoral independence and guarantee access to justice for citizens whose rights are violated during elections.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to democratic governance, Ojukwu stated that institutionalising electoral integrity is essential to realising the right to free and fair elections in Nigeria.
He added that the NHRC remained ready to collaborate with government and other stakeholders to ensure that credible elections become a lived reality for every Nigerian citizen.
