'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Nigerian government has refuted claims that the country was snubbed in the recent United Nations Human Rights Council election, clarifying that Nigeria was not a candidate for the 2025-2027 term.
In a statement released on October 13, 2024, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, emphasized that Nigeria did not participate in the elections held on October 9, 2024. The statement followed reports in the media suggesting that Nigeria had been rejected in the election, sparking widespread debate.
The election, conducted by the UN General Assembly, saw 18 nations, including Benin, Gambia, Kenya, and Ethiopia from Africa, secure seats on the council for a three-year term starting January 1, 2025. According to the official statement, "Nigeria did not stand as a candidate for this cycle of elections, just like it did not stand for election in 2023."
Onanuga dismissed claims of a snub as "false and misleading," pointing out that there was no competition in the African regional group, as the continent fielded the same number of candidates as available seats. Benin and Gambia, both members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), were endorsed candidates for the term.
"Nigeria, in its usual display of leadership in fostering African unity, focused on supporting the endorsed candidates from Africa to ensure collective representation," Onanuga said. He added that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has prioritized promoting African unity and a unified voice on the global stage, which aligns with the country's decision not to field a candidate.
The statement also addressed claims that Nigeria received a small number of votes in the election. Onanuga clarified that any vote cast for Nigeria must have been a mistake, as the country was not on the ballot.
Onanuga urged the media to verify their reports before publishing, especially on sensitive international matters. "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," he added.
The UN Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body tasked with promoting and protecting human rights globally. Nigeria’s absence from the ballot for the 2025-2027 term does not indicate a withdrawal from its commitment to global human rights issues, according to the statement.
By focusing on supporting other African countries, Nigeria remains a central player in advancing the continent’s interests on the global stage, especially in fostering unity and regional cooperation.
The Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to playing a pivotal role in global diplomacy, particularly within Africa, as the country continues to engage in international platforms.