NHRC warns Nigeria over 2027 election hate speech

The India — National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) issued a stark warning on Thursday in Abuja that escalating hate speech, intimidation, incitement and divisive political rhetoric could plunge Nigeria into violence and chaos ahead of the 2027 general election. Executive Secretary Anthony Ojukwu specifically cited statements attributed to Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir and Senator Francis Fadahunsi, saying some comments crossed 'the red line for decency' and could denigrate individuals or groups, deepen divisions and heighten tensions. The NHRC stressed its intervention was not targeted at any political party, religious group, ethnic community or individual, but was a human-rights response to protect dignity and equal worth. Ojukwu invoked the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda as a cautionary lesson, while emphasizing Nigeria was not Rwanda. The commission called for early identification of dangerous narratives, responsible public communication, lawful accountability, and urged political parties, religious and traditional leaders, the media, and social media users to promote tolerance and avoid amplifying inflammatory content. It also established a situation room with a toll-free hotline (6472) for citizens to report hate speech and incitement ahead of the elections.