NHRC, Senate Push Electoral Reforms As Falana Condemns Ransom Payments

As Nigeria intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Senate, and leading human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) have called for stronger democratic institutions, respect for the rule of law, and decisive action against insecurity threatening national stability.

They spoke yesterday in Abuja during the Annual June 12 Memorial Lecture organised by NHRC in collaboration with the Professor Humphrey Nwosu Centre for Democracy and Human Rights. The event also witnessed the formal unveiling of the centre established to preserve the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu’s democratic legacy.

In his presentation, Falana urged Nigerians to reject ethnic, regional and political divisions in confronting injustice, insisting that violations of rights anywhere in the country should concern every citizen.

“Don’t say this one is from that side of the country or from this side of the country. Injustice is injustice to every Nigerian,” he said.

The senior lawyer commended security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), for the recent rescue of about 360 abducted persons in Maiduguri, describing the operation as professional and worthy of national recognition.

He also praised the rescue of the sister of a serving minister and her three children without the payment of ransom.

Falana, however, condemned the growing practice of paying ransom to kidnappers, lamenting that it had become a major incentive fuelling the country’s kidnapping industry.

“This criminality of giving money, paying ransom, is not acceptable. That is why the business is thriving,” he declared.

He further criticised what he described as government-backed negotiations and rehabilitation programmes for terrorists and violent criminals, arguing that such actions contradict existing laws and undermine justice for victims. Citing Section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, Falana said negotiating or cooperating with terrorists attracts a jail term of up to 20 years without the option of a fine.

Earlier, NHRC executive secretary, Dr Tony Ojukwu (SAN), described June 12 as a defining chapter in Nigeria’s democratic history and a symbol of the people’s enduring quest for justice, transparency and accountable governance.

Ojukwu said the lecture’s theme, “Electoral Integrity and the Future of Credible Elections in Nigeria,” was particularly significant as the country approaches another electoral cycle.

He stressed that credible elections remain essential for democratic stability, public confidence and national development.

According to him, the annual lecture seeks to promote voter education, democratic participation, institutional accountability and constructive national dialogue aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.

He added that the newly unveiled Professor Humphrey Nwosu Centre would serve as a hub for research, policy advocacy, leadership training and civic engagement, especially among young Nigerians.

In his remarks, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said Professor Nwosu’s name remains permanently linked to the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll.

He noted that the annulment of the election transformed June 12 into a powerful symbol of democratic resistance and legitimacy.

Akpabio reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening the country’s electoral framework through legislation, oversight and stakeholder engagement, stressing that every eligible Nigerian must be able to vote with confidence that their vote will count.

He maintained that credible elections depend not only on laws and institutions but also on the conduct of political parties, candidates, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations and citizens, urging all stakeholders to work together to safeguard democracy and strengthen public trust in the electoral process.