By George Ozalla
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on Nigerian youths to take the lead in strengthening the country’s democracy through peaceful, responsible and informed participation in the 2027 general elections, warning that violence, hate speech, misinformation and vote-buying pose serious threats to credible polls and national stability.
The 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 held under the theme, “2027 Elections: From Voices to Votes – Process, Participation, Security and National Stability Beyond 2027.”
Ojukwu described Nigerian youths as the country’s greatest agents of social transformation and urged them to move beyond merely demanding change to becoming active participants in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future through civic engagement and peaceful electoral participation.
According to him, the constitutional right to vote and be voted for remains a fundamental human right guaranteed under the Constitution, stressing that democracy can only thrive where citizens participate freely and responsibly.
He urged political actors, electoral officials, security agencies, civil society organisations and citizens to protect the integrity of the electoral process by rejecting voter intimidation, electoral violence, discrimination, hate speech, misinformation and vote-buying.
The NHRC boss noted that peaceful and credible elections remain indispensable to national stability, good governance and sustainable development, adding that citizens have a collective responsibility to safeguard democratic values through lawful participation in the electoral process.
Ojukwu further reassured the Commission’s commitment to promoting rights-based elections through sustained human rights monitoring, investigation of electoral rights violations, civic education and strategic collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders before, during and after the 2027 elections.
Highlighting the Commission’s preparations for the next electoral cycle, he recalled the successful implementation of the Mobilising Voters for Election (MOVE) Project during the 2023 general elections, saying the initiative promoted voter education, peaceful participation and greater inclusion of young people, women and other underrepresented groups in the democratic process.
He explained that the lessons learnt from the MOVE Project continue to shape the Commission’s preparations and advocacy efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ojukwu further stressed the need for leadership founded on integrity, accountability, transparency and respect for human rights.
He also called for increased investment in youth empowerment through entrepreneurship, innovation and skills development, saying such initiatives would help reduce poverty, unemployment and young people’s vulnerability to political manipulation.
Ojukwu assured that the Commission would continue to collaborate with youth organisations, government institutions, civil society groups and development partners to deepen civic education, promote peaceful coexistence and safeguard the rights of every Nigerian.
“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,” he said.
The Commission urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace peaceful participation and uphold democratic values as the country prepares for another critical electoral cycle in 2027.
