The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has warned political actors against actions capable of violating the rights of Nigerians as political activities and campaigns intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, gave the warning on Monday in Abuja while presenting the NHRC’s August 2026 Human Rights Situation Dashboard.
Ojukwu said the Commission would remain vigilant throughout the electoral process and work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that fundamental rights, particularly the right to political participation, are protected.
He noted that elections are closely connected to several constitutional rights, including freedom of association, peaceful assembly, expression and movement, as well as the rights to life and dignity of the human person.
“As campaigns begin ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Commission will remain vigilant to ensure that political actors play by the rules,” he said.
The NHRC boss disclosed that the Commission received 297,943 complaints nationwide in August, saying the figure, together with findings from its Human Rights Observatory, provided an important picture of the country’s human rights situation.
According to him, insecurity remained one of the major human rights concerns during the month, with Benue and Niger states recording renewed attacks on rural communities despite ongoing security operations.
Ojukwu called for thorough and transparent investigations into the killings and urged relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
He, however, commended security agencies for successful rescue operations recorded during the month, including the rescue of 308 Nigerians abducted across Niger and Kwara states on August 5 through what he described as a coordinated intelligence-led operation.
He also praised security operatives for securing the release of kidnapped persons in Benue State and rescuing 15 National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Kogi State while travelling to Abuja after completing their orientation programme in Bayelsa State.
“These outcomes demonstrate what can be achieved when intelligence, political will and inter-agency coordination come together,” Ojukwu said.
He urged security agencies to ensure that such successes become consistent rather than occasional.
The NHRC Executive Secretary further stressed that government responsibility should not end with rescuing abducted persons, saying survivors also require medical attention, psychosocial support, family reunification and other forms of assistance necessary for recovery and reintegration.
Ojukwu also raised concerns over the proposed Foreign Aid Bill before the National Assembly.
While acknowledging what he described as the legitimate need for transparency and accountability in the management of foreign assistance, he said the Commission was concerned about issues raised by civil society organisations, the media and international partners regarding the possible impact of the proposed law on civic space and the independence of organisations working in the human rights sector.
He urged the National Assembly to carefully consider concerns relating to freedom of association, freedom of expression and the independence of civil society organisations before concluding work on the legislation.
“The Commission will continue to monitor the legislative process from a human rights perspective and, where necessary, make appropriate interventions within its mandate,” Ojukwu said.
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