Human Rights Commission Links Online Incitement, Political Rhetoric to Rising Risk of Electoral Violence and Social Fragmentation
By A1NEWS International – June 18, 2026
ABUJA, Nigeria – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong warning over the growing spread of hate speech in Nigeria, cautioning that unchecked inflammatory rhetoric could undermine democratic stability, fuel violence, and compromise the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
The warning was delivered by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, during activities marking the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, where he described hate speech as a direct assault on human dignity and a growing threat to Nigeria’s fragile socio-political balance.
Hate Speech as a Human Rights Violation
Chief Ojukwu stated that hate speech violates fundamental human rights, particularly the rights to dignity, equality, and non-discrimination as enshrined in Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
He emphasized that while freedom of expression remains a constitutional right, it does not extend to communications that promote hostility, incite violence, or dehumanize individuals or groups based on ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, or social identity.
According to him, the misuse of expression in digital and political spaces has increasingly blurred the line between free speech and harmful incitement, raising urgent concerns for national stability.
Legal Framework Already in Place, Enforcement Weak
The NHRC chief referenced Sections 24 and 26 of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, noting that the law already criminalizes the intentional dissemination of offensive, threatening, or inflammatory messages through electronic platforms.
However, he expressed concern that enforcement remains inconsistent, while political actors and influential figures continue to circulate divisive narratives with limited accountability.
He stressed that legal provisions alone are insufficient without responsible conduct from political leaders, traditional rulers, religious authorities, media professionals, and ordinary citizens.
Warning of Social and Economic Consequences
Ojukwu warned that hate speech, if left unchecked, has the capacity to destabilize communities and reverse developmental progress.
He outlined a chain of consequences often triggered by sustained hate narratives, including:
- Breakdown of public trust
- Closure of businesses due to insecurity
- Disruption of educational activities
- Decline in investor confidence
- Displacement of families and communities
He noted that societies weakened by internal division often struggle to maintain economic growth and institutional stability.
“Conflict destroys infrastructure, displaces families, and reverses years of developmental gains. No nation can build on the ruins of hatred,” he warned.
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2027 Elections Under Threat of Polarisation
With Nigeria approaching the 2027 general elections, the Commission raised concerns that rising hate speech could become a major risk factor in the electoral process.
According to Ojukwu, inflammatory rhetoric—particularly when amplified through social media and political platforms—could intimidate voters, discourage participation, and deepen ethnic and religious divisions.
He warned that such dynamics could erode public confidence in democratic institutions and compromise the legitimacy of electoral outcomes.
“Hate speech is not harmless talk. It is a trigger for conflict, a brake on national development, and a betrayal of our shared humanity,” he stated.
“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.”
Call for National Responsibility and Digital Accountability
The NHRC urged Nigerians to adopt greater responsibility in their communication, particularly on digital platforms where misinformation and inflammatory content spread rapidly.
Key recommendations include:
- Verification of information before sharing
- Rejection of divisive and inflammatory narratives
- Reporting of incitement to violence to relevant authorities
- Promotion of peaceful coexistence across ethnic and religious lines
The Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring, documenting, and responding to cases of hate speech across the country, especially in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
As Nigeria prepares for another critical electoral cycle, the NHRC warning highlights growing concern that digital misinformation and politically charged rhetoric could become destabilizing forces.
Stakeholders argue that preventing electoral violence and safeguarding democracy will require coordinated action from government institutions, political actors, civil society, and citizens alike.
The Commission maintains that protecting free expression while curbing incitement remains essential to preserving national unity and democratic integrity.
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