The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr Tony Ojukwu, says democracy thrives on citizens’ participation, emphasising the need to protect civic freedoms and strengthen credible electoral processes in Nigeria.
Ojukwu stated this in Abuja while announcing plans for the Annual June 12 Memorial Lecture scheduled for June 9 in collaboration with the Prof. Humphrey Nwosu Centre for Democracy and Human Rights.
The lecture is themed, “Electoral Integrity and the Future of Credible Elections in Nigeria.”
He said the event comes at a critical moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey following the release of the timetable for upcoming elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Electoral integrity is therefore not only a political issue but also a fundamental human rights concern,” Ojukwu stated.
He explained that the forum would provide an opportunity for election administrators, political stakeholders and civil society organisations to reflect on ways of strengthening credible electoral processes in the country.
The NHRC boss underscored the importance of civic freedoms in democratic societies, describing peaceful protests and public assemblies as essential expressions of democracy.
According to him, the commission believes democracy can only flourish where citizens’ rights to participation and assembly are protected, institutions are strengthened, justice prevails, and electoral processes remain transparent, inclusive and credible.
Ojukwu said the annual lecture honours the legacy of the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the former electoral commission chairman who supervised Nigeria’s June 12, 1993 presidential election.
The NHRC boss described the June 12 election as one of the defining moments in Nigeria’s political history, symbolising the aspirations of Nigerians for justice, accountability, transparency, national unity and democratic freedom.
“The sacrifices associated with that democratic struggle continue to inspire democratic advocacy and institutional reforms in Nigeria today,” he stressed.
Ojukwu noted that the lecture would bring together election managers, policymakers, political actors, civil society groups and other stakeholders to examine ways of strengthening electoral integrity and public confidence in the democratic process.
He reiterated that protecting fundamental rights and ensuring credible elections remain critical to sustaining Nigeria’s democracy and advancing national development.
