2027: NHRC warns hate speech threatens democracy, national unity

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong warning that unchecked hate speech poses a severe threat to Nigeria’s democracy, national unity, and electoral credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), described hate speech as not only a direct violation of human rights but also a serious threat to the nation’s peace, unity, and development.

Ojukwu, SAN, cautioned that inflammatory rhetoric is not harmless talk but a dangerous trigger for conflict that could undermine the rights of citizens.

The NHRC’s boss, who spoke on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, maintained that hate speech strips people of their dignity and violates the right to equality and non-discrimination, contrary to Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

He argued that while freedom of expression is protected, it does not extend to speech that incites hatred, hostility, and violence against others.

Ojukwu, SAN, stressed that under Sections 24 and 26 of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act 2015, the deliberate spread of offensive and inflammatory messages online is already recognized as an offence.

He insisted the law must be matched with responsible conduct by political actors, traditional and religious leaders, the media, and citizens.

According to him, hate speech fuels division and lays the foundation for conflict if left unchecked.

“Conflict destroys infrastructure, displaces families, and reverses years of developmental gains. No nation can build on the ruins of hatred,” he said.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, Ojukwu, SAN, warned that hate speech constitutes a serious risk to the credibility of the process and to citizens’ rights to vote and be voted for.

He said inflammatory rhetoric could intimidate voters, suppress participation, and deepen ethnic and religious fault lines.

“Hate speech is not harmless talk. It is a trigger for conflict, a brake on national development, and a betrayal of our shared humanity.

“Let us not allow this monster to spread ahead of the 2027 general elections. If we do, we will pay for it with lives, livelihoods, and the future of our democracy,” he added.

A statement signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages at the NHRC, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, added that Ojukwu, SAN, pledged the Commission’s commitment to continue monitoring, documenting, and responding to hate speech incidents across the country.