As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu (OFR, SAN), has declared that credible elections are a fundamental human right that must be guaranteed to every citizen, rather than a privilege granted by those in power.

In a statement commemorating the significance of June 12, Ojukwu said the annulled 1993 presidential election remains the strongest evidence that Nigeria is capable of conducting free, fair, and transparent elections when democratic institutions respect the will of the people.

According to him, the electoral framework introduced by Humphrey Nwosu, particularly the Option A4 and Modified Open Ballot systems, demonstrated that electoral credibility is achievable when election management bodies operate with integrity, transparency, and strict adherence to the law.

The NHRC boss emphasized that the right of citizens to participate in governance through genuine elections is guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution and regional human rights instruments, stressing that electoral misconduct amounts to a direct assault on fundamental freedoms.

He noted that practices such as voter suppression, vote buying, electoral violence, and manipulation of election results should not be viewed merely as administrative shortcomings but as serious violations of civil and political rights.

Ojukwu expressed concern that more than three decades after the June 12 election, many of the challenges that undermine electoral credibility continue to persist, weakening public confidence in democratic institutions and diminishing citizens’ faith in the electoral process.

“Whenever elections lose their integrity, the rights to freedom of expression, association, participation, and peaceful assembly are also placed at risk,” he said.

The human rights advocate called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, security agencies, the judiciary, civil society organizations, and the media to remain committed to neutrality, transparency, and accountability in the conduct of elections.

He assured Nigerians that the Commission would intensify its monitoring of electoral processes across the country, document violations, and pursue appropriate remedies for victims in line with its statutory mandate.

Ojukwu also urged the National Assembly to strengthen legal safeguards that protect the independence of electoral institutions and improve citizens’ access to electoral justice.

He maintained that institutionalizing electoral integrity remains critical to deepening democracy and safeguarding the right of every Nigerian to freely choose their leaders, adding that the NHRC is prepared to collaborate with government and other stakeholders to ensure that credible elections become a permanent feature of the nation’s democratic culture.

The statement, signed by Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, underscored the Commission’s commitment to advancing democratic governance through the protection and promotion of electoral rights. (Arise News)

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