The Federal Government on Sunday clarified the information on the country’s involvement in the 2024 United Nations Human Rights Council elections.
The UN General Assembly elected 18 new members to the Council for the 2025-2027 term on October 9.
The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement on Sunday Nigeria did not participate in the elections, contrary to claims in some quarters that the country was snubbed.
He said; “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.”
Onanuga emphasized that Nigeria’s absence from the elections was deliberate.
He added: “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 explained that the regional bloc endorsed Benin and Gambia, both members of ECOWAS, for the 2025-2027 term.
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“Nigeria focused on supporting the endorsed candidates to promote collective African representation,” Onanuga said. “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 presidential aide criticized the media for spreading misinformation and urged them to verify facts before publishing.
“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 counselled.
He also cautioned Nigerians against disparaging their country on international matters.
The newly elected members will serve three-year terms beginning January 1, 2025, replacing outgoing members, including Argentina, Benin, Cameroon, Eritrea, Finland, Gambia, Honduras, India, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Montenegro, Paraguay, Qatar, Somalia, United Arab Emirates, and the United States.
The Human Rights Council consists of 47 member states responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally. The election was conducted via secret ballot, with members serving three-year terms.
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