The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on Nigerian youths to play a leading role in strengthening democracy by participating actively, peacefully and responsibly in the 2027 General Elections.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, made the call while delivering a keynote address at the 6th National Leadership and Youth Stakeholders Conference, held under the theme: "2027 Elections: From Voices to Votes – Process, Participation, Security and National Stability Beyond 2027."
Chief Ojukwu described young people as the greatest drivers of social transformation and urged them to move beyond merely discussing change to becoming active participants in shaping Nigeria's democratic future through informed civic engagement and peaceful electoral participation.
He stressed that the right to vote and be voted for is a fundamental human right guaranteed under the Constitution and urged all stakeholders to protect the integrity of the electoral process by rejecting voter intimidation, electoral violence, hate speech, misinformation, discrimination and vote-buying.
According to him, democracy flourishes when citizens participate freely and responsibly, while peaceful and credible elections remain essential to national stability, good governance and sustainable development.
The Executive Secretary reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to promoting rights-based elections through human rights monitoring, investigation of electoral rights violations, civic education and strategic engagement with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders before, during and after the elections.
He highlighted the Commission's successful implementation of the Mobilising Voters for Election (MOVE) Project during the 2023 General Elections, which promoted voter education, peaceful participation and greater inclusion of young people, women and other underrepresented groups in the democratic process. He noted that the lessons from the initiative continue to guide the Commission's preparations and advocacy for the 2027 elections.
Chief Ojukwu also underscored the importance of leadership founded on integrity, accountability, transparency and respect for human rights, while calling for greater investment in youth empowerment through entrepreneurship, innovation and skills development as a means of reducing poverty, unemployment and vulnerability to political manipulation.
He reaffirmed that the National Human Rights Commission will continue to collaborate with youth organisations, civil society, government institutions and development partners to deepen civic education, promote peaceful coexistence and safeguard the rights of every Nigerian.
"The future of Nigeria depends on informed, active and responsible citizens. Your voices are important, but your votes give those voices democratic legitimacy. Together, let us build a Nigeria where elections are peaceful, leaders are accountable, and human rights remain the foundation of democratic governance," he said.
The Commission urged all Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace peaceful participation and uphold democratic values as the nation prepares for another important electoral cycle.
