The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has warned that hate speech poses a serious threat to human rights, national unity and democratic stability, urging citizens and leaders to reject inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu, said hate speech is a direct violation of human rights because it undermines human dignity and breaches the principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Ojukwu stressed that while freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it does not extend to speech that incites hatred, hostility or violence against individuals or groups.
He noted that Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act 2015 already criminalises the deliberate dissemination of offensive and inflammatory messages online under Sections 24 and 26.
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The NHRC boss said legal safeguards alone would not be sufficient to curb the spread of harmful rhetoric, calling on political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations and citizens to act responsibly.
He warned that unchecked hate speech could deepen social divisions and create conditions for conflict, with far-reaching consequences for national development.
“Conflict destroys infrastructure, displaces families, and reverses years of developmental gains. No nation can build on the ruins of hatred,” Ojukwu said.
Ojukwu further cautioned that hate speech could undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process by intimidating voters, discouraging participation and exacerbating ethnic and religious divisions.
“Hate speech is not harmless talk. It is a trigger for conflict, a brake on national development, and a betrayal of our shared humanity. Let us not allow this monster to spread ahead of the 2027 general elections. If we do, we will pay for it with lives, livelihoods, and the future of our democracy.” He stated.
Calling for collective action, Ojukwu urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it and to report incidents of incitement, discrimination and violence to the appropriate authorities.
He also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to monitoring, documenting and responding to incidents of hate speech across the country.
