21/02/2026
FCT AREA COUNCIL ELECTIONS: IHRC CALLS FOR PEACEFUL, RIGHTS-BASED, CREDIBLE ELECTORAL PROCESS
The Nigeria- International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation), Diplomatic Mission, under the leadership of H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru C. Hezekiah, calls on all stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections.
As a neutral, independent humanitarian and diplomatic organization, IHRC emphasizes that democratic participation is a fundamental human right. The right to vote, to be voted for, to assemble peacefully, and to express political choices freely must be protected before, during, and after the electoral process.
IHRC urges:
- Electoral authorities are responsible for ensuring a free, fair, transparent, and inclusive process in accordance with the law.
- Security agencies are to maintain professionalism, impartiality, and strict adherence to human rights standards in the discharge of their duties.
- Political actors and supporters should reject violence, hate speech, voter intimidation, and misinformation.
- Citizens are to exercise their civic rights peacefully and responsibly.
Elections must not become a trigger for instability. They should instead reinforce democratic governance, strengthen public trust in institutions, and advance social justice and inclusive development within the FCT.
IHRC, through its Special Monitoring Mission, will continue to observe developments within its mandate area and encourage dialogue, peaceful engagement, and compliance with constitutional and electoral provisions.
Democracy thrives where human rights are respected. The FCT elections present an opportunity to demonstrate that Nigeria's electoral processes can reflect maturity, credibility, and peaceful coexistence.
Signed
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah
Ambassador-at-Large
Head of Diplomatic Mission
International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation), Nigeria
