Nigeria Elected to UN Human Rights Council With 172 Votes

Nigeria has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council after securing 172 votes out of 181, according to an announcement shared on Tuesday.

The election marks a significant step in the country’s engagement with the UN body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally, including addressing violations and making recommendations on human rights concerns.

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR, congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, following the election.

According to the United Nations, the Human Rights Council comprises 47 member states, elected by the UN General Assembly through a secret ballot. Membership is allocated among five regional groups to ensure geographical representation, and members serve three-year terms.

For the 2027–2029 term, Nigeria was listed among four African candidates seeking four available seats, alongside Burundi, Ghana and Zambia. The candidates were endorsed by African states, according to the UN’s election information page.

Nigeria’s 172 votes out of 181 represents strong support among participating voters and is expected to give the country a platform to contribute to the council’s work in advancing human rights, strengthening international cooperation, and participating in discussions, resolutions and initiatives concerning civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.

The election comes as Nigeria continues to engage with the United Nations on international diplomacy and multilateral affairs.