The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), European Union (EU) and Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have called on Nigerian authorities to take urgent steps to protect citizens’ rights, political participation and freedom of expression ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisations warned that intimidation, arbitrary arrests, hate speech and restrictions on civic activities could weaken public confidence in the electoral process if left unaddressed.
Their concerns were raised on Wednesday at the 2026 Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders Forum on the State of Human Rights in Abuja. The event was organised by the NHRC with support from the European Union Delegation to Nigeria.
The forum, themed “Protecting Human Rights in Civic and Political Spaces in the 2027 Elections”, brought together representatives of government institutions, political parties, civil society organisations and international partners to examine threats to democratic participation.
Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr Anthony Ojukwu, SAN, said democracy could not function effectively if citizens, journalists, activists and civil society groups were prevented from expressing their views or holding public officials accountable.
He expressed concern over reports of intimidation, harassment and arbitrary arrests, particularly where laws intended to address criminal conduct were allegedly being applied against legitimate public criticism.
Ojukwu specifically identified concerns surrounding the use of the Cybercrimes Act, warning that its provisions should not become instruments for restricting lawful civic engagement.
He said human rights defenders and civil society organisations should be recognised as important contributors to democratic accountability rather than treated as opponents of government institutions.
NHRC raises concerns over political exclusion and electoral offences
Beyond restrictions on freedom of expression, Ojukwu identified several challenges that could affect the credibility and inclusiveness of the 2027 elections.
These include voter intimidation, political exclusion, hate speech, incitement and uncertainty surrounding the regulation of digital platforms.
He particularly raised concerns about high political nomination fees, arguing that such financial barriers could prevent women, young people and persons with disabilities from seeking elective positions.
The NHRC chief also criticised the continued lack of accountability for electoral offences, warning that failure to punish offenders could encourage further violations and undermine confidence in democratic institutions.
He renewed the commission’s call for the establishment of an independent Electoral Offences Commission, a proposal associated with the recommendations of the Justice Muhammadu Uwais Electoral Reform Committee.
According to him, Nigeria needs stronger institutional arrangements to investigate and prosecute electoral offences rather than allowing perpetrators to escape accountability.
Ojukwu noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had issued a revised timetable for the 2027 elections following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
EU warns against restrictions on democratic participation
European Union Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said the partnership between the EU and NHRC, which began in 2024, had developed into an important platform for monitoring human rights conditions and promoting dialogue.
He maintained that independent media, peaceful public gatherings, civil society organisations and open public discussions were necessary for citizens to participate meaningfully in elections.
Mignot warned that restricting these spaces could weaken public participation, reduce transparency and damage confidence in democratic institutions.
He reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic institutions and legitimate stakeholders.
However, he clarified that the EU’s involvement was not intended to interfere in Nigeria’s electoral process but to strengthen the capacity of local institutions and stakeholders to promote credible elections.
He said cooperation among Nigerian institutions and international partners remained important in addressing emerging human rights challenges.
IPAC demands accountability for political intimidation
Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Alhaji Yusuf Dantale, also called for stronger protection of constitutional freedoms and greater accountability for violations of citizens’ rights.
He expressed concern over insecurity, killings, kidnappings, forced displacement and other abuses affecting communities across the country.
Dantale condemned the intimidation and arbitrary detention of citizens, excessive use of force by security personnel and unlawful restrictions on individuals exercising their constitutional rights.
He also warned against using cybercrime and cyberstalking laws to silence legitimate criticism or discourage public participation in political discussions.
On the forthcoming elections, the IPAC chairman identified hate speech, vote buying and political thuggery as serious threats to democratic development.
He argued that electoral credibility should not be judged only by what happens on polling day.
According to him, the process must remain peaceful, transparent and inclusive from political campaigns and voter mobilisation through voting, collation and the final declaration of results.
2027 election timetable puts human rights protection in focus
The calls for stronger protection of civic and political space come as political parties and electoral stakeholders intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Under INEC’s revised timetable, the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
The timetable was adjusted following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which introduced changes to the statutory framework governing electoral activities.
The approaching elections have increased attention on political conduct, campaign activities, voter protection and the responsibilities of security agencies.
The NHRC’s concerns also reflect a broader human rights situation that requires attention beyond the electoral period.
In its September 2026 Human Rights Situation Dashboard, the commission reported 338,810 complaints across its 38 offices nationwide. Its Human Rights Observatory also documented 208 killings and 210 kidnappings during the reporting period.
Although the figures cover wider human rights concerns and are not limited to election-related incidents, they illustrate the scale of protection and accountability challenges facing the country.
The November forum therefore provides an opportunity for government institutions, political parties, civil society groups and international partners to strengthen safeguards before the electoral process reaches its most sensitive stages.
The central message from the NHRC, EU and IPAC is that credible elections require more than the organisation of voting. Citizens must also be able to campaign, express opinions, challenge public decisions and participate in political activities without intimidation or unlawful interference.
