2027: NHRC moves to promote electoral integrity, strengthen democratic governance

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) synergises with the Prof. Humphrey N. Nwosu Centre for Democracy and Human Rights to promote electoral integrity and strengthen democratic governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN who announced this while addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, reaffirmed the NHRC’s commitment to the promotion, protection and enforcement of the rights of every person in the country.

In carrying out the mandate, Ojukwu said, the Commission remains committed to supporting democratic governance, strengthening institutions, promoting accountability, advancing constitutionalism and safeguarding the dignity and freedom of all Nigerians.

“It is in furtherance of this mandate that the Commission is proud to collaborate with the Prof. Humphrey N. Nwosu Centre for Democracy and Human Rights in promoting national dialogue on democracy, electoral integrity, civic responsibility, and human rights protection in Nigeria,” he said.

Ojukwu said democracy can only thrive where citizens’ rights to participation and assembly are respected, institutions are strengthened, justice prevails, and electoral processes remain transparent, inclusive, and credible, adding that electoral integrity is not only a political issue but also a fundamental human rights concern.

He announced that the Commission will hold a memorial lecture in Abuja on June 9, in honour of late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission.

The NHRC boss said the lecture which is organised in collaboration with the Prof. Humphrey N. Nwosu Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, will focus on the theme “Electoral Integrity and the Future of Credible Elections in Nigeria”.

According to the NHRC boss, the lecture comes at a critical moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey as the country prepares for another general election cycle, noting that the platform would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the future of credible elections, democratic accountability, peaceful participation, and public confidence in democratic institutions.

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Ojukwu emphasized the need for sustained reforms and institutional accountability to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy, while noting that the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu supervised the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, which is widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll.

According to him, Nwosu’s courage, professionalism, patriotism and commitment to transparency remain enduring lessons for election administrators and democratic institutions.

The NHRC boss also highlighted the significance of the partnership between the Commission and the Prof. Humphrey N. Nwosu Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, which he said was established to preserve and advance the late electoral umpire’s democratic legacy.

Ojukwu said the collaboration represents a broader commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting civic consciousness, empowering young people and encouraging ethical leadership.

He expressed confidence that recommendations emerging from the lecture would contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen electoral integrity, enhance public trust in democratic institutions and promote peaceful political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The NHRC Executive Secretary called on Nigerians, civil society organisations, academic institutions, youth groups, political actors, development partners and members of the international community to actively participate in the national dialogue.

“As we prepare to commemorate June 12, let us recommit ourselves to the ideals of credible elections, justice, responsible leadership, human rights, national unity, peaceful democratic participation and institutional accountability,” Ojukwu said.

June 12 is celebrated annually as Nigeria’s Democracy Day in remembrance of the 1993 presidential election, a landmark event in the country’s democratic history and struggle for civilian rule.

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