The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, has urged politicians, political parties and their supporters to shun hate speech, ethnic profiling and inciting statements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ojukwu made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday to mark the 2026 International Day of Democracy, stressing that democracy was not merely about elections but also about protecting the dignity, voice and rights of every citizen.
According to him, democracy represents the freedom to speak, choose, participate and hold those in power accountable without fear.
He urged political actors to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public utterances as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Democracy thrives on debate, not on hate speech, inciting statements, ethnic profiling, or threats,” Ojukwu said.
The NHRC boss warned that words could either promote peace or undermine national unity, urging politicians to make their campaigns issue-based and avoid language capable of provoking violence.
He said the Commission would continue to monitor hate speech and electoral violence, while calling on eligible Nigerians to actively participate in the electoral process.
Ojukwu also cautioned citizens against voter apathy, vote-selling and the belief that their votes do not count, stressing that democracy suffers when citizens withdraw from the political process.
He described the Permanent Voter’s Card as an important instrument through which citizens exercise their right to choose their leaders, urging Nigerians to come out and vote.
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 further urged the authorities to guarantee the safety of voters, journalists, election observers, human rights defenders and other citizens during the electoral process.
Ojukwu said anyone, irrespective of status or political affiliation, who sponsors violence, vote-buying, voter suppression or attacks on democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 elections should be promptly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He maintained that impunity remained a major threat to democratic development, calling for a sustained commitment to a democracy that delivers not only elections but also justice, equality and respect for human rights.
