The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed concerns that diminishing civic space and unpunished electoral crimes may jeopardize the upcoming 2027 elections in Nigeria. This warning was issued during the 2026 Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders Forum, which was held in Abuja with support from the European Union.
Dr. Anthony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, emphasized the necessity for authorities to take proactive measures as the nation approaches the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, followed by governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027. The forum was centered on the theme “Protecting Human Rights in Civic and Political Spaces in the 2027 Elections.”
Ojukwu highlighted various challenges hindering a fair electoral process, including harassment, arbitrary arrests, and the misuse of legal provisions against civil society groups, journalists, and human rights advocates. He also noted the presence of political intimidation, prohibitive nomination fees that exclude women, youth, and people with disabilities, as well as issues related to hate speech and uncertain regulations surrounding digital platforms.
According to the NHRC’s September 2026 Human Rights Situation Dashboard, the organization reported approximately 338,810 complaints of human rights violations across its 38 offices nationwide, with the North Central region witnessing the highest incidences. In addition, the Human Rights Observatory documented 208 fatalities and 210 kidnappings during this timeframe.
Further, Ojukwu shared that the Commission has completed 2,458 investigations and conducted 113 monitoring visits to various detention facilities. In anticipation of the elections, the NHRC plans to enhance its operational readiness through the Human Rights Election Situation Room, which will be available 24/7 during the election period, supported by monthly dashboards, deployment of monitors to potential hotspots, and availability of legal aid partnerships.
Moreover, the NHRC welcomed the recent passage of the NHRC Amendment Bill, which includes provisions for the Human Rights Defenders Bill, and reiterated its call for the establishment of a dedicated Electoral Offences Commission. This forum was attended by several notable officials, including the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and representatives from various political bodies.
