The United Nations, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and Media Rights Agenda (MRA) have warned against the rising wave of hate speech and unethical political practices ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections.
Speaking at a roundtable on Ethical and Hate-Free Politics in Nigeria yesterday, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, called for urgent action to tackle the dangers of hate speech, especially in the digital space.
He cautioned that disinformation and online hostility are eroding public trust in democratic institutions and deepening social divisions.
Fall urged political parties to lead by example by focusing campaigns on policies rather than insults, while adopting codes of conduct that reject hate speech.
The event, co-hosted by the NHRC, featured a keynote address by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), who identified hate speech as “a major threat to democracy.”
He revealed that the commission is intensifying efforts to combat the menace through monitoring, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.
Ojukwu outlined key initiatives, including the creation of a National Hate Speech Register, specialised staff training for monitoring and enforcement, and a Charter on Ethical and Hate-Free Politics to be proposed to political parties.
He stressed the importance of protecting pluralism, upholding ethical standards, and ensuring inclusive participation—particularly for women, youths, persons with disabilities, and minority groups.
Marking the International Day of Democracy, themed “Democracy and Inclusion in an Age of Insecurity” with a global emphasis on “Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action,” the discourse highlighted the urgent need for fairness and inclusivity in politics.
In its statement to commemorate the day, MRA underscored the importance of protecting free expression and civic space.
It urged the Federal and State Governments to strengthen democratic institutions, safeguard civic freedoms, and guarantee the free flow of information as pillars of democracy.
MRA’s Programme Officer, Mr. John Gbadamosi, emphasised that democracy is more than just elections, noting:“Democracy thrives when all citizens—women and men alike—can participate equally in shaping their societies.”