Human rights key to credible 2027 elections – Shettima

The Convener of the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative, Ambassador Yerima Shettima

have stressed that the protection of human rights will be critical to strengthening the country’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This position was articulated in a special guest address delivered by Dr. Bashir Mohammed, on behalf of Yerima Shettima during the Annual Get-Together Event of Punch NewspapersNorth Region, which was held in Kaduna on Sunday.

Speaking on the theme, “Human Rights and Their Role in Strengthening Nigeria’s Democratic Process Ahead of the 2027 Elections,” Shettima observed that democracy can not thrive where citizens’ rights are suppressed.

While better amplifying Shettima’s position, Dr. Bashir Muhammed noted that “Democracy is often described as the government of the people, by the people, and for the people,” stressing further, “But can that government truly exist where human rights are trampled upon? The answer is a resounding no,” he stated.

He emphasised that human rights are fundamental to credible elections, thus insisting that freedoms of speech, assembly, and protection from intimidation are essential for meaningful participation in the electoral process.

“Human rights are not a Western import or a luxury for the elite. They are the very air that democracy breathes,” he underscored.

Muhammed maintained, “As we approach 2027, the strength of our ballot lies not just in the ink, but in the freedom to speak, to assemble, and to vote without fear.”

Shettima, hailing Nigeria’s democratic progress over the past 26 years, warned that failure to safeguard citizens’ rights could limit the essence of elections to mere formalities.

“Our democracy has shown resilience, but resilience must be fortified by rights. If we fail to protect the rights of citizens, we risk reducing the 2027 elections to a mere ritual rather than a true expression of the people’s will,” he warned.

The Convener of the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative also raised concerns about ongoing electoral reforms, pointing out that proposed amendments to the Electoral Act must enhance transparency and voter confidence.

“Issues such as the transparency of the electoral body, voter security, and the integrity of the result collation process are fundamentally human rights issues,” he added.

On security and governance, Shettima insisted that protecting lives and property remains the most fundamental right, especially in Northern Nigeria, where insecurity and economic hardship persist.

He said, “While efforts are being made to stabilise the situation, the protection of lives and property must remain paramount. Economic hardship also makes citizens vulnerable, undermining the integrity of the electoral process.”

The PUNCH event special guest further called for the protection of the civic space, including press freedom and judicial independence.

“We must stand against any attempt to muzzle the press because a free press is the light that exposes the potholes on the road to progress. We must also resist any interference in the judiciary, as it remains the scale that balances the rights of the state and the individual,” he admonished.

Not done, Shettima advocated for greater inclusion of women and youth in the political process, describing the proposed Special Seats Bill for women as a “human rights imperative.”

He insisted that “Democracy is stronger when it reflects the diversity of its people. Our young people must be encouraged to participate as informed voters and credible candidates, not as tools for violence.”

Thus, he urged Nigerians to remain united despite potential political tensions ahead of the elections.

“In the coming months, there will be provocations and attempts to divide us along ethnic and religious lines. But we must remember that the right you have to protect your neighbour today is the same right that will protect your child tomorrow,” he said.

Shettima concluded by calling on citizens to demand accountability from their leaders and institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“Let us demand not just infrastructure, but the rule of law. Let us demand from INEC, not just logistics, but legitimacy,” he stressed.