Bayo Onanuga, a prominent Nigerian journalist and political figure, has responded to claims that Nigeria was “snubbed” in the recent United Nations Human Rights Council election. Contrary to some reports, Onanuga emphasized that Nigeria was not deliberately excluded or sidelined in the election process. Instead, he pointed out that Nigeria’s failure to secure a seat was due to the competitive nature of the election and the large number of countries vying for positions on the council.
He also suggested that the outcome should not be interpreted as a diplomatic slight but rather as a reflection of the normal dynamics at play in such international elections. Additionally, Onanuga downplayed the significance of the result, suggesting that Nigeria’s influence in global affairs remains intact despite not securing a seat on the council.
This clarification from Onanuga seeks to dispel concerns about Nigeria’s standing in the international community, particularly regarding human rights and diplomacy.
STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT
NIGERIA AND THE 2024 UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ELECTIONS: SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT
On October 9, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly elected 18 members to the Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term.
The members elected to the Council are 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.
The Council is an intergovernmental body within the UN system consisting of 47 States tasked with promoting and protecting human rights globally.
The election, conducted via secret ballot, determined which nations would fill three-year terms beginning on January 1, 2025, replacing members whose terms expire on December 31, 2024.
Among the outgoing members are Argentina, Benin, Cameroon, Eritrea, Finland, Gambia, Honduras, India, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Montenegro, Paraguay, Qatar, Somalia, United Arab Emirates and the United States.
According to a report on the meeting published by the UN, Argentina, Cameroon, Eritrea, India and Somalia, which had served two consecutive terms, were ineligible for immediate re-election.
Also, Albania, Algeria, Brazil, China, Ghana, Japan, and South Africa will continue serving on the Council.
In the African regional group, the endorsed candidates—Benin, Gambia, Kenya, DRC, and Ethiopia—successfully secured all five available seats.
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.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
October 13, 2024.
