Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Nigerian government has clarified its position regarding the recent United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) elections, debunking claims that the country was snubbed.
According to a press statement from the State House, released on Saturday and signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Nigeria did not participate in the election held on October 9, 2024, contrary to some media reports.
The UN General Assembly elected 18 new members to the UNHRC for the 2025-2027 term, including Benin, Bolivia, Colombia, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Iceland, Kenya, Marshall Islands, Mexico, North Macedonia, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland, and Thailand.
These countries will replace outgoing members whose terms expire on December 31, 2024.
Nigeria’s absence from the ballot was a strategic decision to support endorsed candidates from the African regional group, promoting collective African representation on the global stage. This approach aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s leadership in fostering African unity.
The 18 new members elected to the UNHRC for the 2025-2027 term include Benin, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Kenya (Africa); Republic of Korea, Qatar, and Thailand (Asia-Pacific); Czechia and North Macedonia (Eastern Europe); Bolivia, Colombia, and Mexico (Latin America and Caribbean); and Iceland, Spain, and Switzerland (Western Europe and Others), who will join existing members to promote and protect human rights globally.
The government urged the media to verify information before publication, citing the lack of consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Nigeria’s mission in New York. The statement emphasized the importance of avoiding harmful speculation about Nigeria’s international relations.
These countries will join existing members, including Albania, Algeria, Brazil, China, Ghana, Japan, and South Africa, to promote and protect human rights globally.
The statement read in part, “There was no competition in the African regional group, as the continent fielded the same number of candidates as available seats.
“Contrary to information circulating, Nigeria was not snubbed in this election, as some reports have falsely claimed.
“The country did not stand as a candidate for this cycle of elections, just like it did not stand for election in 2023 when a Nigerian medium sensationally reported that the country earned three votes.
“The same lie was rehashed in the erroneous report in circulation. Again, we restate that Nigeria was not on the ballot in the election held on 9 October. Whatever vote was recorded for our country must have been cast in error in the secret balloting by some countries which thought Nigeria was on the ballot.
“For those conversant with elections into international organisations, especially to prestigious bodies like the Human Rights Council, countries vying for positions usually receive regional endorsements.
“The regional bloc endorsed Benin and Gambia, both members of ECOWAS, for the 2025-2027 term.
“Given Nigeria’s continued leadership in fostering African unity, the nation focused on supporting the 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.
“The media should cross-check their information before rushing to press. There was no sign this was done with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or our country’s mission in New York.
“As Nigerians, we should not be quick to disparage or drag our country, especially on international matters.”
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