2027: NHRC Calls For Peaceful, Inclusive, Rights-respecting Polity
By Mohammed Ibrahim
Chief Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for peaceful, inclusive, and rights-respecting polity ahead 2027 General Elections as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Democracy
Ojukwu made the call in a statement issued by the Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the commission, Fatima Agwai Mohammed.
He said “the day reminds us that democracy is not just about elections, but about the dignity, voice, and rights of every citizen”.
Chief Ojukwu stated that democracy represents the freedom to speak, to choose, to participate, and to hold power accountable without fear.
He called on all politicians, political parties and their supporters to exercise restraint and responsibility in public utterances.
Chief further stressed that democracy thrives on debate, not on hate speech, inciteful statements, ethnic profiling, or threats.
The learned Silk reiterated that words can build peace or destroy the nation, and urged the political class to make campaigns issue-based and shun any language capable of inciting violence or undermining national unity.
The Chief Human Rights Officer of the country noted that the Commission will continue to monitor hate speech and electoral violence.
He called on every eligible Nigerian to rise above voter apathy and actively exercise their civic rights, adding that citizens should not stay away from the polls, sell votes, or believe that votes do not count as these emanate from voter apathy.
Chief Ojukwu lamented that democracy dies when citizens withdraw, and remain silent, he emphasized that the Permanent Voter’s Card remains the power of the people to choose desired leaders.
He therefore urged citizens to come out, vote, and make votes count, describing the choice of leaders as both a right and a duty to Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary who is also the President of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa (NNHRI-WA) called on the Federal Government, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and all security agencies to ensure a level playing field for all.
He further stated that government must guarantee the safety of voters, journalists, observers, human rights defenders and the citizens at large.
“Anyone regardless of status or party affiliation, who attempts to make the polity unbearable, who sponsors violence, vote-buying, voter suppression, or attacks on democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 General Elections, must be promptly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law, adding that impunity remains the greatest threat to democracy”, he said.
The Chief Ojukwu called for commitment to a democracy that delivers not just elections, but justice, equality, and human rights for all.
