Amid circulating reports that Nigeria was “snubbed” in the 2024 United Nations Human Rights Council elections, the Presidency on Sunday clarified that the country did not stand as a candidate for the 2025-2027 term.
Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, categorically stated in a statement on Sunday that Nigeria did not seek re-election in the October 9 elections.
This mirrors a similar claim from 2023 when a Nigerian outlet reported that the country had earned three votes in an election it did not participate in.
Onanuga explained that any votes attributed to Nigeria in the secret ballot were likely errors made by some member states.
“Nigeria was not on the ballot for this election. Whatever votes were recorded for Nigeria were likely cast in error by countries that thought we were running,” he emphasized.
Highlighting Nigeria’s role in regional diplomacy, Onanuga noted that the African bloc endorsed Benin and Gambia, both fellow ECOWAS members, for the 2025-2027 term.
He said Nigeria, as a diplomatic leader in Africa, opted to support these endorsed candidates in its commitment to fostering collective African representation on the global stage.
Onanuga explained that on October 9, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly elected 18 countries to fill seats on the Council, with no bid from Nigeria.
According to the statement, the elected members include Benin, Bolivia, Colombia, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Gambia, Iceland, Kenya, and others.
Noting that the Human Rights Council, which is composed of 47 member states, plays a critical role in promoting and protecting human rights globally, the Presidency said the new members will replace outgoing nations whose terms expire on December 31, 2024.
Specifically, in the African regional group, Benin, Gambia, Kenya, DRC, and Ethiopia secured the available seats unopposed, as the region fielded only five candidates for five vacancies.
Nigeria, having previously held a seat, chose not to contest in this election cycle.
The Presidency maintained that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has prioritized building a united African voice in international platforms, and this strategic choice reflects Nigeria’s continued leadership in African diplomacy.
By backing the endorsed candidates, Nigeria is ensuring that Africa’s interests are well-represented, even without holding a seat on the Human Rights Council during this term, it posited.
The statement pointed out that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also advised the media to verify their reports with credible sources before rushing to publish erroneous information.
It said no attempt was made to cross-check facts with Nigeria’s mission in New York or the Ministry before the misleading stories were published.
“Nigerians should avoid being quick to drag the country’s name through the mud on the international scene,” Onanuga said, adding: “In international matters like these, it’s important to ensure we are informed before making claims.” (Tribune)