Stakeholders in Nigeria’s democracy and human rights sectors have renewed calls for comprehensive electoral reforms and stronger institutional independence ahead of the country’s 2027 general election.
They warned that credible polls are essential to sustaining democratic governance and public trust.
The call was made in Abuja during the annual June 12 Commemoration Lecture held in honour of the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the former chairman of Nigeria’s electoral commission widely credited with overseeing the country’s historic 1993 presidential election.
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The event also featured the official unveiling of the Humphrey Nwosu Centre for Democracy and Human Rights.
Organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the newly established centre, the lecture focused on the theme, “Electoral Integrity and the Future of Credible Elections in Nigeria.”
Addressing participants, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, described the theme as “timely, relevant, and forward-looking.”
He said the event provides a platform for election administrators, policymakers, political actors, civil society groups, security agencies, the media and voters to examine the foundations of credible elections and democratic accountability.
“It presents an opportunity for election managers, policymakers, political actors, civil society organisations , security agencies, the media, and indeed Nigerian voters to reflect deeply on the imperatives of credible elections, democratic accountability, peaceful participation, and public trust in democratic institutions,” Ojukwu said.
He noted that the discussions are expected to contribute to strengthening electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 elections by encouraging informed national dialogue, voter education, institutional accountability and broader democratic participation.
Ojukwu said the partnership between the NHRC, Nigeria’s statutory human rights body, and the Humphrey Nwosu Centre was rooted in a shared commitment to justice, inclusion, accountability and the protection of citizens’ democratic rights.
“We recognise that democracy and human rights are inseparable,” he said, adding that credible elections, the rule of law, freedom of expression, civic participation and accountable governance remain fundamental pillars of a democratic society.
The event highlighted growing efforts by civil society and governance advocates to strengthen electoral institutions in Africa’s most populous nation, where election credibility remains central to political stability and democratic development.
Also speaking, co-founder of the Humphrey Nwosu Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, Nnaemeka Nwosu, called for a renewed commitment to democratic values across Nigeria and the African continent.
“We want to see a Nigeria and Africa where democracy thrives, human rights are protected, elections are credible and leaders serve with integrity.
“Let us build a nation where truth is never silenced, where integrity is never negotiable, where democracy is not taken for granted, but fiercely protected,” he said.
