Hate Speech Can Turn 2027 Elections into a Spectre of Violence, Chaos, NHRC Warns

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has issued a warning that escalating hate speech, intimidation, incitement and divisive political rhetoric could plunge Nigeria into violence and chaos ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Commission said, yesterday, that inflammatory statements by political and public figures were increasingly threatening human dignity, peaceful coexistence and citizens’ right to participate freely in the democratic process.

Speaking at a press conference at the NHRC headquarters in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, said Nigeria must act decisively before dangerous rhetoric translate into violence.

Ojukwu specifically cited statements attributed to Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir and Senator Francis Fadahunsi, saying the Commission considered some of the comments to have crossed “the red line for decency” and to have the potential to denigrate individuals or groups, deepen divisions and heighten tensions.

He stressed, however, that the intervention was not targeted at any political party, religious organisation, ethnic group or individual, but was a human-rights response designed to protect the dignity and equal worth of Nigerians.

“Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right. However, freedom of expression carries responsibilities,” Ojukwu said, warning that the right did not constitute a licence to incite violence, promote hatred, dehumanise others or deliberately provoke hostility against individuals or communities.

The NHRC boss warned that hate speech must not be dismissed as ordinary political rhetoric, arguing that language portraying people or communities as enemies, inferior, dangerous or undeserving of protection could fuel discrimination, exclusion, intimidation and violence.

According to him, the consequences could include attacks on political opponents and voters, restrictions on civic participation, displacement and insecurity, deepening ethnic and religious tensions, and a loss of public confidence in democratic institutions.

Ojukwu invoked the painful lessons of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, noting that sustained propaganda, denigration, dehumanisation and incitement could create an environment in which discrimination and violence become increasingly acceptable.

While stressing that Nigeria was not Rwanda, he said the lesson from history was universal and should compel authorities and citizens to confront dangerous narratives before they escalated.

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