Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has announced its collaboration with the Pro. Humphrey Nwosu Centre for Democracy and Human Rights to host the 2026 June 12 Memorial Lecture.
It seeks to promote national dialogue on democracy, electoral integrity, human rights, and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
The event is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja will bring together key stakeholders from across the democratic and governance spectrum.
Briefing journalists on Monday in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu SAN stated that the Commission, established by the National Human Rights Commission Act and strengthened by subsequent amendments, remains committed to its statutory mandate of promoting, protecting, and enforcing the human rights of all persons in Nigeria.
According to Ojukwu, the Commission’s work extends beyond human rights protection to supporting democratic governance, strengthening institutions, promoting accountability, and safeguarding the fundamental freedoms of citizens.
He noted that the partnership with Prof. Humphrey Nwosu Centre for Democracy and Human Rights aligns with the Commission’s commitment to advancing democratic values and civic participation.
He said the memorial lecture comes at a critical period as Nigeria prepares for another cycle of general elections, “according to the electoral timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for February 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will follow thereafter”.
The theme of this year’s memorial lecture “Electoral Integrity and the Future of Credible Elections in Nigeria”, Ojukwu said focuses on the future of elections in Nigeria and is designed to provide a platform for election managers, political leaders, civil society organisations, security agencies, the media, academics, development partners, and citizens to reflect on democratic accountability, electoral integrity, peaceful participation, and public trust in democratic institutions.
The NHRC Boss emphasized that democracy can only thrive where citizens actively participate in governance, the rule of law is respected, justice prevails, and electoral processes remain transparent, inclusive, and credible.
He described the June 12, 1993 presidential election as one of the defining moments in Nigeria’s democratic history, saying it symbolise the collective aspirations of Nigerians for justice, transparency, accountability, national unity, and democratic freedom.
He noted that the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists and ordinary citizens during the struggle for democratic rule laid the foundation for the democratic institutions and reforms currently enjoyed in the country.
The Prof. Humphrey Nwosu Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, established to preserve and advance the democratic legacy of June 12, was also highlighted as a leading platform for democratic research, civic education, leadership development, electoral integrity advocacy, human rights promotion, and public policy engagement in Nigeria and across Africa.
According to Ojukwu, both institutions share common values centred on justice, accountability, transparency, inclusion, democratic participation, institutional integrity, and good governance.
He said the event is expected to feature distinguished speakers, policymakers, members of the judiciary, former public office holders, political parties, civil society organisations, youth groups, students, development partners, and members of the media.
As part of activities marking the occasion, the Centre will also formally unveil its programmes on democratic thought leadership, research, advocacy, leadership training, and human rights advancement.
Additionally, Ojukwu observed that democratic systems around the world continue to face challenges such as voter apathy, misinformation, political intolerance, electoral violence, declining public trust in institutions, and governance deficits, stressed “the need for sustained investments in civic education, democratic reforms, electoral transparency, and institutional accountability”.
In recognition of outstanding contributions to electoral integrity and democratic development, the event will also feature the presentation of Election Integrity and Democracy Award to Prof. Nnenna Oti, who had “demonstrated exceptional courage, transparency, professionalism, accountability, and commitment to democratic values in service to the nation”.
NHRC reaffirmed its commitment to working with government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, and citizens to advance democracy, accountability, human rights protection, and public enlightenment in Nigeria.
Ojukwu however called on all Nigerians and democratic stakeholders to participate actively in the memorial lecture and contribute to ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of future elections.
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