The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on Nigerian youths to take ownership of the country’s democratic future by participating actively, peacefully and responsibly in the 2027 general elections, warning that credible polls are critical to national stability, accountable governance and sustainable development.
The appeal was made by the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, while delivering the keynote address at the 6th National Leadership and Youth Stakeholders Conference in Abuja, themed “2027 Elections: From Voices to Votes – Process, Participation, Security and National Stability Beyond 2027.”
Addressing youth leaders, policymakers and civil society organisations, Ojukwu described young Nigerians as the nation’s greatest force for democratic transformation and urged them to move beyond social media activism by engaging meaningfully in the electoral process through voting and seeking elective office.
He noted that voting and contesting elections are constitutional rights and stressed that the credibility of the 2027 polls would depend largely on citizens—particularly young people—rejecting electoral violence, hate speech, voter intimidation, misinformation, discrimination and vote-buying.
According to him, democracy can only thrive where citizens are free to participate without fear and where election outcomes genuinely reflect the will of the people.
“Peaceful and credible elections are indispensable to national stability, good governance and sustainable development,” Ojukwu said, adding that safeguarding electoral integrity is a shared responsibility involving citizens, political parties, security agencies, electoral officials and civil society organisations.
The NHRC boss reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that the 2027 elections are conducted within a human rights framework through enhanced election monitoring, investigation of electoral rights violations, voter education and closer collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders before, during and after the elections.
He said the Commission is building on the gains of its Mobilising Voters for Election (MOVE) Project, implemented during the 2023 general elections, which promoted voter education, peaceful participation and greater inclusion of youths, women and other underrepresented groups.
According to Ojukwu, lessons from the project are already shaping the Commission’s preparations for the 2027 polls, with renewed emphasis on protecting voters’ rights and expanding civic participation.
Beyond electoral reforms, he argued that strengthening democracy also requires addressing the socio-economic challenges confronting young Nigerians.
He called for increased investment in entrepreneurship, innovation, skills development and youth empowerment programmes to combat poverty and unemployment, warning that economic hardship leaves many young people vulnerable to political manipulation and electoral violence.
Ojukwu further advocated leadership anchored on integrity, transparency, accountability and the rule of law, maintaining that democratic governance can only flourish where human rights are respected and public institutions enjoy citizens’ confidence.
He reaffirmed the NHRC’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with youth organisations, government institutions, civil society groups and development partners to deepen civic education, promote peaceful coexistence and protect the rights of all Nigerians.
In a direct message to young people, Ojukwu urged them to become active custodians of Nigeria’s democracy.
“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 also urged Nigerians to embrace peaceful political participation as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, stressing that the conduct of the polls will have far-reaching implications for national unity, security and the country’s democratic future.
