The National Human Rights Commission has warned that rising hate speech, intimidation and inflammatory political rhetoric could create conditions for serious violence ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu said public figures had a responsibility to exercise restraint and avoid language capable of dehumanising or threatening other citizens.
Speaking in Abuja, Ojukwu referred to recent statements attributed to Islamic cleric Sani Yahaya Jingir and Senator Francis Fadahunsi.
The commission said some of the remarks circulating publicly had crossed acceptable standards of political and religious discourse.
Ojukwu stressed that freedom of expression remained a fundamental right but did not include a right to incite violence, hatred or hostility.
He said repeated descriptions of communities as enemies or inferior groups could encourage exclusion, intimidation and attacks.
The NHRC warned that such rhetoric could also discourage voters from participating freely in elections and weaken confidence in democratic institutions.
Ojukwu referred to historical examples showing how persistent propaganda and dehumanising language could contribute to violence.
He stressed that Nigeria was not facing the same circumstances as those examples but said the lessons remained important.
The commission called on political, religious and community leaders to lower tensions and promote respectful engagement.
It said preventing election related violence required confronting dangerous rhetoric before it escalated into physical attacks.
