The Nigerian presidency has clarified recent reports suggesting that Nigeria was overlooked in the 2024 United Nations Human Rights Council elections. Contrary to the claims, Nigeria was not a candidate in this year’s election, focusing instead on supporting other African nations that were endorsed.
On October 9, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly elected 18 new members to the Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term. Countries elected include 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.
Onanuga said;
“There was no competition in the African regional group, as the continent fielded the same number of candidates as available seats.
“Nigeria did not stand as a candidate for this cycle of elections Contrary to information circulating, Nigeria was not snubbed 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.”
Some reports suggested that Nigeria lost out due to concerns over its human rights record. However, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, dismissed this, explaining that Nigeria never ran for the election in the first place. Instead, Nigeria focused on supporting five African countries that were endorsed as part of the African regional group. These countries – Benin, Gambia, Kenya, the DRC, and Ethiopia – secured all five available seats.
Onanuga further explained that any votes recorded for Nigeria in the secret ballot were cast in error, as some countries mistakenly believed Nigeria was on the ballot. In reality, Nigeria’s focus was on promoting collective African representation within the UN Human Rights Council, working through the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS.
“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,” he stated.
“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,” said the presidential aide.
This strategic move allowed Nigeria to support its neighboring countries, ensuring Africa had a strong voice in the global human rights discussions.
Nigeria continues to play an active role in UN affairs and global governance, even when not running for council positions.
