International Day of Democracy 2026: NHRC scribe Ojukwu tasks politicians to run issue-based campaigns ahead of 2027 polls

International Day of Democracy 2026: NHRC scribe Ojukwu tasks politicians to run issue-based campaigns ahead of 2027 polls

From our journalist

Abuja (Core Reporters) – As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in commemorating the 2026 International Day of Democracy, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, (SAN), has urged politicians, political parties and their supporters to conduct their campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections based on specific issues and free from hate speech, ethnic profiling and inciting statements.

Ojukwu said Democracy Day should serve as a reminder that democracy goes beyond elections, stressing that it is fundamentally about the dignity, voice and rights of every citizen.

According to him, democracy represents the freedom to speak, choose, participate in governance and hold those in power accountable without fear.

As the 2027 general elections approach, the NHRC chief called on political actors and their supporters to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public statements, warning against rhetoric that undermines peace and national unity.

He stressed that democracy thrives on constructive debate and not on hate speech, inflammatory statements, ethnic profiling or threats.

The senior campaigner said political campaigns should focus on issues affecting Nigerians and competing political ideas, rather than language capable of provoking violence or deepening divisions.

He said the words could promote peace or contribute to instability, urging politicians to use the election period to engage citizens in their programs, policies and plans to address the country’s challenges.

Ojukwu, who is also Nigeria’s human rights officer, said the NHRC will continue to monitor hate speech and electoral violence as part of its mandate to protect human rights and promote democratic values.

He also urged eligible Nigerians to actively participate in the electoral process, warning against voter apathy, vote buying and the belief that votes do not count.

According to him, democracy weakens when citizens withdraw from the political process or remain silent, stressing that the Permanent Voter Charter (PVC) remains an important tool through which citizens exercise their right to choose their leaders.

He therefore encouraged Nigerians to come out and vote, describing participation in elections as both a constitutional right and a civic responsibility.

The NHRC Executive Secretary, who also serves as the Chairperson 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.

It also urged the authorities to ensure the safety of voters, journalists, election observers, human rights defenders and citizens before, during and after the 2027 elections.

Ojukwu said anyone, regardless of status or political affiliation, sponsors violence, vote-buying, voter suppression or attacks on democratic institutions should be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He argued that impunity remains a grave threat to democratic governance, underlining the need for accountability throughout the electoral process.

In a statement signed by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs and External Liaison, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, the NHRC boss called for a renewed commitment to a democracy that delivers not only elections, but also justice, equality, accountability and respect for human rights for all Nigerians.