Nigeria denies UNHRC snub

Nigeria’s presidency has denied claims that the country failed to win votes at the UN Human Rights Council election held at the UN General Assembly on 9 October. Special adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, said the African regional group nominated five countries namely, Benin, Gambia, Kenya, DRC, and Ethiopia for the five seats allotted to the continent. The Premium Times reports that he said this move eliminated the need for an election. ‘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,’ he said. Onanuga said Nigeria focused on offering support to countries which have been nominated by the African regional group. This he said, mirrored President Bola Tinubu's leadership strategy in fostering unity on the African continent.