NHRC warns political actors against rights violations ahead of 2027 elections

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has warned political actors to abide by the rules as campaigns and political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, gave the warning on Monday in Abuja at the presentation of the NHRC’s August 2026 Human Rights Situation Dashboard.

Ojukwu said the Commission would remain vigilant and work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that human rights, particularly the right to political participation, are protected throughout the electoral process.

He noted that elections were closely linked to several fundamental human rights, including freedom of association, peaceful assembly, expression and movement, as well as the rights to life and dignity of the human person.

“As campaigns begin ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Commission will remain vigilant to ensure that political actors play by the rules,” he said.

The NHRC boss said the Commission recorded 297,943 complaints nationwide in August, describing the data, alongside findings from its Human Rights Observatory, as an important reflection of the country’s human rights situation.

According to him, insecurity continued to dominate the human rights landscape during the month, with Benue and Niger states recording renewed attacks on rural communities despite ongoing security operations.

He called for thorough and transparent investigations into the killings and urged authorities to ensure that perpetrators of the attacks were brought to justice without further delay.

Ojukwu, however, commended security agencies for successful rescue operations recorded during the month, citing the rescue of 308 Nigerians abducted across Niger and Kwara states in a coordinated intelligence-led operation on Aug. 5.

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He also commended security operatives for securing the release of several kidnapped persons in Benue State, as well as the rescue of 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted in Kogi State while travelling to Abuja after completing their orientation programme in Bayelsa State.

“These outcomes demonstrate what can be achieved when intelligence, political will and inter-agency coordination come together,” Ojukwu said and urged security agencies to make such successes consistent rather than occasional.

The NHRC Executive Secretary also stressed that the responsibility of government did not end with the rescue of victims, saying survivors should receive appropriate medical, psychosocial, family-reunification and other support needed for recovery and reintegration.

On the proposed Foreign Aid Bill before the National Assembly, Ojukwu said the Commission recognised the legitimate need for transparency and accountability in the management of foreign assistance.

He, however, said the Commission was concerned about issues raised by civil society organisations, the media and international partners over the potential impact of the proposed legislation on civic space and the independence of organisations working to promote human rights.

He urged the National Assembly to engage with those concerns, particularly those relating to freedom of association, freedom of expression and the independence of civil society organisations.

“The Commission will continue to monitor the legislative process from a human rights perspective and, where necessary, make appropriate interventions within its mandate,” he said.