NHRC Warns Hate Speech Could Trigger Violence Ahead of 2027 Elections

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised the alarm over the growing use of hate speech, intimidation, incitement and divisive rhetoric, warning that unchecked political hostility could plunge Nigeria into violence and chaos ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Commission gave the warning on Thursday in Abuja, stressing that inflammatory remarks by political leaders, public figures and other influential actors posed a growing threat to human dignity, peaceful coexistence and citizens’ right to participate freely in the democratic process.

Speaking at a press conference at the NHRC headquarters, the Executive Secretary, Chief Tony Ojukwu, said urgent action was required to prevent dangerous rhetoric from developing into actual violence.

Ojukwu referenced statements attributed to Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir and Senator Francis Fadahunsi, saying some of the remarks had crossed what he described as “the red line for decency” and could deepen divisions, denigrate individuals or groups and heighten political and social tensions.

He clarified that the Commission’s intervention was not directed at any political party, religious body, ethnic group or individual, but was part of its constitutional responsibility to protect the dignity and equal rights of Nigerians.

According to him, freedom of expression remains a fundamental right, but it must be exercised responsibly.

“Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right. However, freedom of expression carries responsibilities,” Ojukwu said, stressing that the right could not be used as a justification for inciting violence, promoting hatred, dehumanising others or provoking hostility against communities.

The NHRC boss cautioned against treating hate speech as mere political rhetoric, noting that narratives portraying individuals or communities as enemies, inferior, dangerous or undeserving of protection could encourage discrimination, intimidation, exclusion and violence.

He warned that the consequences could include attacks on political opponents and voters, reduced civic participation, displacement, insecurity, heightened ethnic and religious tensions and declining confidence in democratic institutions.

Drawing lessons from the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Ojukwu said sustained propaganda, dehumanisation and incitement could gradually create an environment where discrimination and violence become normalised.

He, however, emphasised that Nigeria was not Rwanda, adding that the historical experience should serve as a universal warning against allowing dangerous narratives to go unchecked.

“The situation, if unchecked, could escalate circumstances into uncontrolled violence and chaos. God forbid,” he said.

Ojukwu maintained that preventing violence was a human-rights obligation and that government had the primary duty, under both domestic and international law, to protect citizens and prevent violations.

The Commission consequently called for the early identification of dangerous narratives, responsible public communication and lawful action against individuals who breach established legal boundaries.

With the 2027 elections drawing closer, the NHRC urged politicians to make policies, programmes, competence and records of service the focus of their campaigns instead of ethnic, religious or personal attacks.

It warned that unchecked inflammatory rhetoric could intimidate voters, discourage participation and trigger violence before, during and after the elections.

The Commission further cautioned that communities that perceive themselves as targeted could become exposed to insecurity and displacement, while prolonged political antagonism could create social divisions that outlive the electoral period.

Ojukwu said protecting human rights and preventing election-related violence must therefore remain interconnected priorities.

The NHRC called on political parties to exercise greater control over their members and strengthen internal mechanisms for identifying, preventing and sanctioning inflammatory and intimidating statements.

Religious, traditional and community leaders were also urged to deploy their influence towards promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

The Commission equally cautioned the media against becoming a vehicle for amplifying hate speech, urging journalists and media organisations to uphold professional and ethical standards by providing context, verification and public-interest considerations when reporting potentially inflammatory statements.

Social media users and digital platforms were similarly urged to exercise greater responsibility, particularly by verifying information before sharing content capable of provoking hostility or violence.

Law enforcement agencies, the NHRC said, should appropriately respond to credible cases of incitement, threats, intimidation and other unlawful conduct, while ensuring that investigations and prosecutions respect constitutional safeguards, due process and fundamental rights.

Ojukwu also appealed to young Nigerians, particularly those active on social media, not to allow themselves to be used as instruments for spreading misinformation, hatred and inflammatory content.

He stressed that preventing election-related violence was a collective responsibility that should not be left exclusively to government and security agencies.
“To our political leaders, we say: compete on ideas, programmes, competence and your record of service—not on hatred or division,” he said.

He urged religious and traditional leaders to promote unity and dialogue, while calling on the media to inform citizens without becoming an amplifier of hatred and incitement.

The NHRC said it would continue to monitor developments, document human-rights violations and engage relevant stakeholders throughout the electoral cycle.

It also pledged to use its statutory powers to promote and protect human rights while advocating for an electoral process anchored on the dignity, safety, equality and participation of every Nigerian.

Ojukwu concluded with a warning that underscored the Commission’s message: “We must act before rhetoric becomes violence. We must promote dialogue before division becomes conflict. And we must protect human dignity before violations become irreversible.”

He urged Nigerians to see the country’s diversity as a strength rather than a source of conflict.

“Let us disagree without dehumanising one another. Let us compete without destroying one another. Let us campaign without inciting one another. And let us protect the Nigeria we all share,” he said.