The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on political actors, political parties, security agencies and citizens to promote a peaceful, inclusive and rights-respecting political environment ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, OFR, made the call as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Democracy.
Ojukwu said the occasion serves as a reminder that democracy goes beyond elections, stressed that it encompasses the dignity, voice and fundamental rights of every citizen.
According to him, democracy guarantees citizens the freedom to speak, choose their leaders, participate in governance and hold those in power accountable without fear.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, the NHRC Executive Secretary urged politicians, political parties and their supporters to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public utterances.
He warned that democratic debate should not degenerate into hate speech, inciting statements, ethnic profiling or threats, stressing that political campaigns should be issue-based and devoid of language capable of provoking violence or undermining national unity.
Ojukwu, who is also the Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria, said the Commission would continue to monitor hate speech and electoral violence, while urging eligible Nigerians to actively participate in the democratic process.
He cautioned citizens against voter apathy and vote-selling, noting that the belief that votes do not count could discourage participation in elections.
“Democracy dies when citizens withdraw and remain silent,” he said, stressing that the Permanent Voter’s Card remains an important instrument through which citizens exercise their power to choose their leaders.
He therefore urged Nigerians to come out, vote and make their votes count, describing the choice of leaders as both a right and a responsibility to the country.
The NHRC Executive Secretary, who is also President of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa (NNHRI-WA), called on the Federal Government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a level playing field for all political actors.
He also urged the authorities to guarantee the safety of voters, journalists, election observers, human rights defenders and citizens before, during and after the elections.
Ojukwu further called for prompt investigation and prosecution, in accordance with the law, of individuals involved in violence, vote-buying, voter suppression or attacks on democratic institutions, irrespective of their status or political affiliation.
He maintained that impunity poses a serious challenge to democratic governance and urged all stakeholders to uphold the rule of law.
The NHRC Executive Secretary concluded by calling for a democracy that delivers not only credible elections but also justice, equality and respect for human rights for all Nigerians.
