2027 Polls: NHRC Calls on Youth to Turn Their Voices into Votes
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on Nigerian youths to take a leading role in strengthening the country’s democracy through active, peaceful and responsible participation in the 2027 General Elections.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, made the appeal while delivering the keynote address at the 6th National Leadership and Youth Stakeholders Conference, themed “2027 Elections: From Voices to Votes – Process, Participation, Security and National Stability Beyond 2027.”
Ojukwu described young people as the driving force behind social transformation, urging them to move beyond advocating for change to becoming active participants in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future through informed civic engagement and peaceful electoral participation.
He emphasized that the right to vote and be voted for is a fundamental human right guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution, calling on 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 thrives when citizens participate freely and responsibly, while peaceful, transparent and credible elections remain vital to national stability, good governance and sustainable development.
The NHRC boss reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting rights-based elections through human rights monitoring, investigation of electoral rights violations, civic education and strategic collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations and other key stakeholders before, during and after the elections.
Highlighting the Commission’s achievements, Ojukwu recalled the successful implementation of the Mobilising Voters for Election (MOVE) Project during the 2023 General Elections, which enhanced voter education, encouraged peaceful participation and promoted the inclusion of youths, women and other underrepresented groups. He noted that lessons from the initiative continue to shape the Commission’s preparations and advocacy efforts ahead of the 2027 polls.
He also stressed the need for leadership anchored on integrity, accountability, transparency and respect for human rights, while urging increased investment in youth empowerment through entrepreneurship, innovation and skills development to reduce poverty, unemployment and susceptibility to political manipulation.
Ojukwu reiterated that the NHRC would continue working closely with youth organisations, civil society groups, government institutions and development partners to deepen civic education, foster peaceful coexistence and protect the rights of all Nigerians.
“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 further urged Nigerians, especially young people, to embrace peaceful participation, uphold democratic values and contribute to a credible electoral process as the nation prepares for the 2027 General Elections.
