In a recent United Nations General Assembly vote, 18 nations were elected to serve on the Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term.
The election, held on October 9, 2024, filled positions to be vacated by outgoing members at the end of 2024. Among the newly elected members are five African nations: Benin, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Kenya.
These countries secured all available seats for the African regional group without competition, as the continent put forward the same number of candidates as there were openings.
The Nigerian government has issued a statement to address the country’s involvement in the election. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, clarified that Nigeria did not participate as a candidate in this election cycle.
“Contrary to information circulating, Nigeria was not snubbed in this election, as some reports have falsely claimed,” Onanuga stated. He added that the country did not stand as a candidate for this cycle of elections, just like it did not stand for election in 2023.
Onanuga emphasized that any votes recorded for Nigeria must have been cast in error during the secret ballot, as the country was not on the ballot. He urged media outlets to verify information with official sources before publication, noting that no cross-checking appeared to have been done with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Nigeria’s mission in New York.
Nigeria’s diplomatic approach focuses on supporting regionally endorsed candidates to promote collective African representation.
“This has been the hallmark of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership on the continent. This strategic approach aligns with Nigeria’s long-standing diplomatic efforts to ensure Africa speaks with a united voice on the global stage,” Onanuga explained.
The Human Rights Council consists of 47 member states tasked with promoting and protecting human rights globally. The recent election determined which nations would fill three-year terms beginning January 1, 2025, replacing members whose terms expire on December 31, 2024. Other nations elected to the Council include Bolivia, Colombia, Cyprus, Czechia, Iceland, Marshall Islands, Mexico, North Macedonia, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland, and Thailand.
Some countries, such as Argentina, Cameroon, Eritrea, India, and Somalia, were ineligible for immediate re-election due to having served two consecutive terms.
“As Nigerians, we should not be quick to disparage or drag our country, especially on international matters,” Onanuga stated
