Shehu Sani condemns alleged harassment of INEC chairman in London

Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has condemned the alleged harassment and intimidation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, by some Nigerians in London.

Sani described the incident as an assault on a referee earlier than the graduation of a soccer match, warning that such behaviour might undermine democratic values and injury Nigeria’s worldwide fame.

The former lawmaker expressed his displeasure in a submit on his verified X deal with on Friday, questioning why the INEC chairman could be confronted over an election that had but to happen.

He famous that the 2027 common election was nonetheless forward, whilst political events and their candidates had begun political actions and campaigns throughout the nation.

Sani compares incident to political thuggery

Reacting to the event, Sani questioned the distinction between the alleged actions of those that confronted Amupitan in London and the behaviour of political thugs who disrupt public gatherings and intimidate people in Nigeria.

He argued that harassing the pinnacle of the nation’s electoral physique over political disagreements was inconsistent with the democratic values anticipated of residents.

The former senator requested, “What is the difference between their actions and those of thugs who gate-crash, insult and molest others here at home?”

He warned that political disagreements shouldn’t be allowed to degenerate into private assaults, intimidation or the disruption of public engagements.

Raises concern over Nigeria’s worldwide picture

Sani additionally expressed concern concerning the worldwide implications of the incident, notably following the circulation of a video purportedly exhibiting the confrontation on social media.

According to him, such incidents might reinforce destructive perceptions about Nigerians residing overseas and lift questions concerning the nation’s political tradition.

He harassed that political maturity requires residents to respect democratic establishments and permit public officers to carry out their tasks with out intimidation.

Sani urged Nigerians to train restraint and channel their grievances over electoral issues by means of lawful and democratic means somewhat than resorting to harassment.

He maintained that disagreements over the conduct and credibility of elections ought to be addressed by means of established authorized and institutional processes, notably as preparations for the 2027 common election collect momentum.