The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has warned that rising hate speech, intimidation, incitement and divisive political statements could push Nigeria into violence and chaos ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commission said on Thursday that inflammatory comments by political and public figures were increasingly threatening human dignity, peaceful coexistence and the right of citizens to take part freely in the democratic process.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, gave the warning at a press conference at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Ojukwu said Nigeria could not afford to wait until inflammatory words turned into physical violence before taking action.
He specifically referred to statements attributed to Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, and Senator Francis Fadahunsi, saying some of the comments had crossed what he described as “the red line for decency.”
According to him, such statements had the potential to attack the dignity of individuals or groups, deepen existing divisions and increase tensions in the country.
The NHRC boss, however, stressed that the commission’s intervention was not directed at any political party, religious organisation, ethnic group or individual.
He said the commission was acting within its human rights mandate to protect the dignity and equal worth of all Nigerians.
“Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right. However, freedom of expression carries responsibilities,” Ojukwu said.
He warned that freedom of expression should not be used as an excuse to encourage violence, promote hatred, dehumanise people or deliberately provoke hostility against individuals and communities.
The commission said hate speech should not be treated as ordinary political talk, especially when such language presents certain people or communities as enemies, inferior, dangerous or undeserving of protection.
Ojukwu said such narratives could encourage discrimination, exclusion, intimidation and violence.
He listed possible consequences to include attacks on political opponents and voters, restrictions on civic participation, displacement and insecurity, worsening ethnic and religious tensions and declining confidence in democratic institutions.
The warning comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to increase across the country.
Political parties and politicians have already started positioning themselves for the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state assembly contests expected to take place in 2027.
The period leading to elections is often marked by intense political competition, with candidates and supporters using public rallies, television, radio and social media to promote their interests.
The NHRC said political competition should not be allowed to turn into attacks against ethnic, religious or political groups.
Ojukwu also referred to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda as a painful example of how propaganda, hatred, dehumanisation and incitement could contribute to mass violence.
He noted that Nigeria was not Rwanda, but said the lessons from the African country’s tragic experience remained relevant to every society.
According to him, the lesson from history is that dangerous narratives must be confronted before they become accepted and lead to violence.
“The situation, if unchecked, could escalate circumstances into uncontrolled violence and chaos. God forbid,” he said.
The Rwandan genocide resulted in the killing of about 800,000 people over a period of roughly 100 days in 1994. The violence was preceded by years of ethnic division and propaganda, with extremist messages helping to create an atmosphere of hatred and hostility.
Ojukwu said the reference was not intended to suggest that Nigeria was heading towards a similar situation but to remind Nigerians that words can have serious consequences when hatred and division are allowed to grow unchecked.
He said prevention was a key human rights obligation and that government had the primary responsibility under Nigerian and international law to protect citizens and prevent violence.
The NHRC therefore called for early identification of dangerous narratives, responsible communication by public figures and lawful action against people who cross established legal boundaries.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the commission urged politicians to focus their campaigns on policies, programmes, competence and records of service.
It warned against campaigns based on ethnic hostility, religious antagonism and personal attacks.
The commission said unchecked divisive rhetoric could frighten voters, discourage people from participating in elections and create conditions for violence before, during and after the polls.
It added that communities that feel threatened could become vulnerable to attacks, insecurity and displacement.
According to the commission, prolonged political hostility could also create social divisions that would remain even after the elections had ended.
Ojukwu said protecting human rights and preventing election-related violence should therefore be treated as closely connected responsibilities.
The commission urged political parties to take responsibility for the conduct of their members by strengthening internal mechanisms for preventing and punishing inflammatory and intimidating statements.
It also called on religious, traditional and community leaders to use their positions to promote tolerance, peace and mutual respect.
The NHRC said influential leaders should avoid statements that could encourage hatred or violence, particularly during periods of heightened political tension.
The media was also asked to play its part in preventing the spread of dangerous narratives.
The commission urged journalists and media organisations not to become channels for spreading inflammatory statements without proper context.
It called for professional and ethical reporting, including verification of information and consideration of the possible impact of publishing material capable of provoking hostility.
The NHRC further urged social media users to exercise greater care before sharing information, particularly unverified claims or statements that could provoke anger against individuals or communities.
It said digital platforms had become powerful tools for political communication but could also be used to spread false information and inflammatory content rapidly.
Law enforcement agencies were also urged to respond appropriately to credible cases involving incitement, threats, intimidation and other unlawful conduct.
The commission, however, stressed that investigations and prosecutions must comply with the Constitution, due process and fundamental human rights.
The NHRC’s warning adds to growing concerns over the role of political and religious rhetoric in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive political environment.
As parties and politicians prepare for the 2027 elections, the commission said all stakeholders must work to ensure that political disagreements do not become ethnic or religious conflicts.
It maintained that elections should provide Nigerians with an opportunity to choose their leaders freely and peacefully, rather than become a trigger for violence.
The commission’s message was that political freedom, including freedom of speech, must be protected, but it must also be exercised responsibly.
For the NHRC, preventing hateful and divisive language before it leads to violence remains essential to protecting lives, maintaining peace and preserving public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.