UN, NHRC, MRA warn against hate speech ahead of 2027 elections

United Nations, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Media Rights Agenda (MRA) have raised concerns over the growing threat of hate speech and unethical political practices ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
 
Speaking at a roundtable on Ethical and Hate-Free Politics in Nigeria yesterday, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Mohamed Malick Fall, called for urgent action to address the dangers posed by hate speech, particularly in the digital space. 
 
He warned that disinformation and online hostility were undermining public trust in democratic institutions and inflaming social divisions. He urged Nigeria’s political parties to lead by example, focus campaigns on policies rather than insults, and adopt codes of conduct that reject hate speech. 
 
The discourse, co-hosted by the National Human Rights Commission, also featured a keynote address by NHRC Executive Secretary Dr Tony Ojukwu (SAN). 

 He identified hate speech as “a major threat to democracy” and revealed the commission’s ongoing efforts to combat it through monitoring, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.
 
Ojukwu highlighted key initiatives, such as the establishment of a National Hate Speech Register, specialised training for staff on monitoring and enforcement, and the development of a Charter on Ethical and Hate-Free Politics, to be proposed to all political parties. He emphasised the need to protect pluralism, uphold ethical standards, and ensure inclusive participation, particularly for women, youths, persons with disabilities, and minority groups.
 
The event, which marks the International Day of Democracy, is themed “Democracy and Inclusion in an Age of Insecurity,” and the global emphasis on “Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action,” resonated strongly throughout the discussions.MRA, in its statement to mark the day, called for the protection of free expression and civic space.
 
It called on the Federal and state governments to rededicate themselves to strengthening democratic institutions, safeguarding civic space, protecting free expression, and ensuring the free flow of information as essential pillars of democracy. 

According to MRA, the theme is particularly relevant for Nigeria, where there has been a scandalous marginalisation of women in governance at all levels. It stressed that gender equality is not only a human right but also a fundamental requirement for a resilient and inclusive democracy.
 
MRA’s Programme Officer, Mr John Gbadamosi, said: “As we mark this year’s International Democracy Day, we wish to remind our leaders at all levels of government that democracy is more than elections; it is about creating an open society where transparency and accountability, equal participation, and human rights are guaranteed.”
 
According to him, democracy thrives when all citizens, women and men alike, can participate equally in shaping their societies.

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