The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on Nigerian youths to take the lead in safeguarding the nation’s democracy by participating actively, peacefully and responsibly in the 2027 general elections, warning that electoral violence, hate speech and voter manipulation remain major threats to national stability.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 6th National Leadership and Youth Stakeholders Conference, themed: “2027 Elections: From Voices to Votes – Process, Participation, Security and National Stability Beyond 2027.”
Ojukwu described Nigerian youths as the country’s greatest force for social transformation and urged them to move beyond advocacy and become active participants in shaping the nation’s democratic future through informed civic engagement and peaceful electoral participation.
He stressed that the rights to vote and be voted for are fundamental constitutional rights that must be protected, urging political actors, security agencies, electoral officials and citizens to reject voter intimidation, electoral violence, misinformation, hate speech, discrimination and vote-buying.
According to him, democracy can only thrive where citizens are free to participate without fear, noting that peaceful, credible and inclusive elections remain critical to national stability, good governance and sustainable development.
The NHRC boss reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring rights-based elections through human rights monitoring, investigation of electoral rights violations, voter education and sustained engagement with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations and other critical stakeholders before, during and after the polls.
He said the Commission would continue to strengthen collaboration with relevant institutions to ensure that the rights of every Nigerian are protected throughout the electoral process.
Reflecting on the Commission’s interventions during the 2023 general elections, Ojukwu highlighted the successful implementation of the Mobilising Voters for Election (MOVE) Project, which promoted voter education, peaceful participation and increased inclusion of young people, women and other underrepresented groups.
He noted that the experiences and lessons from the project are already shaping the Commission’s preparations and advocacy efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Executive Secretary further called for leadership anchored on integrity, accountability, transparency and respect for human rights, while advocating greater investment in youth empowerment through entrepreneurship, innovation and skills acquisition to address poverty, unemployment and the vulnerability of young people to political exploitation.
He reiterated the Commission’s resolve to work closely with youth organisations, civil society groups, government institutions and development partners to deepen civic education, promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen democratic governance.
“The future of Nigeria depends on informed, active and responsible citizens. Your voices are important, but your votes give those voices democratic legitimacy. Together, let us build a Nigeria where elections are peaceful, leaders are accountable, and human rights remain the foundation of democratic governance,” Ojukwu said.
The Commission also urged Nigerians, particularly the youth, to embrace peaceful political participation and uphold democratic values as preparations gradually gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.
