NHRC Calls for Accountability Ahead of 2027 Elections

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Assembly, security agencies, political parties, and politicians to ensure transparency as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, made this call in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday. This statement marks this year’s Democracy Day, celebrated every year on June 12 in Nigeria.

Nigeria began observing June 12 as Democracy Day in 2019. This change recognized the presidential election held on June 12, 1993, which was won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.

Though this election is seen as the fairest and freest in Nigeria’s history, it was annulled by the military government of Ibrahim Babangida.

The unrest that followed the annulment and the death of Mr Abiola in custody in July 1998 while trying to claim his electoral mandate made this election a turning point in Nigeria’s journey back to democracy, which was achieved in 1999.

In 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari moved Democracy Day to June 12 from May 29. The latter date marked the inauguration of Nigeria’s first democratically elected president in 1999.

Mr Ojukwu reminded everyone that June 12 holds significant meaning in Nigeria’s history. He stated that the day is “a reminder that credible elections are a fundamental human right, not a privilege.”

He added, “The June 12, 1993 election remains Nigeria’s clearest proof that free, fair, and transparent polls are possible when institutions respect the will of the people.” Mr Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, expressed his concern about the state of democracy in the country.

Despite nearly thirty years of democracy, he noted that Nigeria still faces issues like voter suppression, vote buying, electoral violence, and result manipulation.

Mr Ojukwu described these problems as direct violations of citizens’ civil and political rights. He said these issues undermine public trust and weaken accountability, eroding the dignity of Nigerian voters.

He called on INEC, political parties, security agencies, the judiciary, civil society, and the media to maintain neutrality, transparency, and accountability. He also urged the National Assembly to strengthen laws that protect electoral independence and access to justice.

Mr Ojukwu reaffirmed NHRC’s commitment to monitoring electoral processes and working with the government to ensure credible elections for all citizens.

The country’s electoral processes have faced challenges, including vote buying and other irregularities. This year, the National Assembly passed the 2026 Electoral Act to enhance the electoral process, but worries about the integrity and transparency of elections continue.

Many view the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states as a test for the Joash Amupitan-led INEC.