NHRC warns that hate speech endangers democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

ABUJA — Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) warned that hate speech threatens democracy.

Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, described hate speech as a direct violation of human rights and a serious threat to the nation’s peace, unity, and development.

Speaking on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, Ojukwu said 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 added that while freedom of expression is protected, it does not extend to speech that incites hatred, hostility, or violence against others.

Ojukwu highlighted that Sections 24 and 26 of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act 2015 already criminalise the deliberate spread of offensive and inflammatory messages online.

He urged that the law be complemented by responsible conduct from political actors, traditional and religious leaders, the media, and citizens.

According to him, hate speech fuels division and lays the groundwork 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 elections approaching, Ojukwu warned that hate speech poses 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 Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages at the NHRC, added that Ojukwu pledged the Commission’s commitment to continue monitoring, documenting, and responding to hate speech incidents across the country.

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