By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has warned that the growing menace of hate speech poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy, peaceful coexistence, and socio-economic development, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, made the warning in a statement issued to mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech on Thursday signed by Fatima Agwai Mohammed, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages.
Ojukwu described hate speech as a direct violation of fundamental human rights, noting that it undermines human dignity and contravenes the principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
While acknowledging that freedom of expression remains a fundamental right, he stressed that such freedom does not extend to speech capable of inciting hatred, hostility, discrimination, or violence against individuals and groups.
The NHRC boss further noted that Nigeria’s legal framework already recognizes the dangers of hate speech, pointing out that Sections 24 and 26 of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 criminalize the deliberate dissemination of offensive and inflammatory messages through digital platforms.
According to him, legal provisions alone are insufficient without responsible conduct from political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, media practitioners, and citizens.
He cautioned that unchecked hate speech has the potential to deepen divisions within society and create conditions that could lead to violent conflict.
“When communities are set against each other, public trust erodes, businesses shut down, schools close, and investment flees. Conflict destroys infrastructure, displaces families, and reverses years of developmental gains. No nation can build on the ruins of hatred,” Ojukwu stated.
With political activities expected to intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, he warned that inflammatory rhetoric could undermine the integrity of the electoral process by intimidating voters, suppressing participation, and exacerbating ethnic and religious tensions.
“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 warned.
The Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria urged citizens to reject hate speech in all its forms, verify information before sharing it, and promptly report incidents of incitement to violence or discrimination to the appropriate authorities.
He also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to monitoring, documenting, and responding to hate speech incidents across the country as part of efforts to safeguard human rights and strengthen national unity.
