Nigeria Clarifies Position on 2024 UN Human Rights Council Elections
Abuja
Abuja, October 13, 2024 – The Nigerian government has issued an official statement addressing recent misinformation about the country’s participation in the 2024 elections for the United Nations Human Rights Council. In a press release from the State House, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized that Nigeria did not compete in this election cycle, contrary to some media reports.
On October 9, 2024, the UN General Assembly elected 18 new members to the Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term. Countries elected included Benin, Bolivia, Colombia, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Gambia, Iceland, Kenya, Marshall Islands, Mexico, North Macedonia, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland, and Thailand. These new members will assume office on January 1, 2025, succeeding current members whose terms expire at the end of 2024.
Nigeria Not a Candidate for the 2024 Election
The government’s statement refuted claims suggesting Nigeria was “snubbed” in the election. Onanuga clarified that Nigeria did not contest this year, as it was not on the ballot, mirroring its decision not to participate in the 2023 election cycle. He added that any vote mistakenly attributed to Nigeria during the secret balloting on October 9 was a result of confusion by some member states.
The elections in the African regional group saw five endorsed candidates—Benin, Gambia, Kenya, DRC, and Ethiopia—win the available seats. Onanuga noted that there was no competition within the African bloc since the number of candidates matched the available seats.
Nigeria’s Role in African Unity and Endorsements
Nigeria, instead of seeking election, opted to support endorsed candidates from Benin and Gambia, both fellow members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Onanuga highlighted that this decision reflects President Bola Tinubu’s strategic leadership in promoting collective African representation in global institutions. Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts aim to ensure that Africa speaks with a united voice on the world stage.
Call for Responsible Reporting
The State House criticized misleading reports from some media outlets that misrepresented Nigeria’s position, urging journalists to verify information with relevant government bodies, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Nigeria’s UN mission in New York, before publication. Onanuga expressed disappointment at how easily inaccurate information was circulated, cautioning against disparaging the nation on sensitive international matters.
“Let us not be quick to drag our country, especially on the global stage,” Onanuga urged, reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to diplomacy and unity within Africa.
Looking Ahead
Nigeria’s non-participation in the 2024 Human Rights Council election highlights its evolving strategy of backing regional candidates to ensure balanced representation for the continent. This approach underscores the nation’s longstanding role in fostering unity and collaboration across Africa in multilateral platforms.
The newly elected Council members will begin their three-year term on January 1, 2025, tasked with promoting and protecting human rights globally as part of the 47-member UN body.
