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By Gabriel Ameh
📍Abuja | Media360Impact Report
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the newly inaugurated Prof. Humphrey Nwosu Center for Democracy and Human Rights have called on Nigerians to defend democracy and safeguard the integrity of the country’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The appeal was made during the maiden June 12 Commemoration Lecture and unveiling of the Center in Abuja, organised in honour of the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, former Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), who conducted the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, described June 12 as a symbol of Nigerians’ collective struggle for democracy, constitutional governance, electoral justice, transparency, accountability and the right to freely choose leaders.
He said the theme of the lecture, “Electoral Integrity and the Future of Political Relations in Nigeria,” was timely as preparations for the 2027 elections continue across the country.
According to him, the lecture aims to strengthen voter education, democratic participation and institutional accountability while generating practical recommendations that will improve Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of future elections.
Dr. Ojukwu described the partnership between NHRC and the Prof. Humphrey Nwosu Center as strategic and necessary for promoting justice, civic enlightenment, electoral reforms and youth leadership development in Nigeria and across Africa.
The event also featured the presentation of the “Election Integrity and Democracy Award” to individuals recognised for courage, professionalism, transparency and commitment to democratic values.
Chairman of the occasion and former Supreme Court Justice, Hon. Justice Abdu Aboki, described the late Prof. Nwosu as a symbol of principled leadership whose stewardship of Nigeria’s electoral process remains a benchmark for credibility and transparency.
According to him, electoral integrity goes beyond technical processes and remains a fundamental human rights issue tied to citizens’ freedom to elect leaders without intimidation or manipulation.
He urged political leaders, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and citizens to work collectively in protecting Nigeria’s democracy and strengthening public trust in institutions.
The event was attended by lawmakers, political stakeholders, members of the diplomatic corps, security agencies, academics and civil society groups.
The Prof. Humphrey Nwosu Center for Democracy and Human Rights was established to preserve the democratic legacy of the late electoral reform advocate through civic education, research, electoral reform advocacy and promotion of ethical governance.
