Former Nigerian lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has condemned the harassment of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, by some Nigerians in the United Kingdom.
A viral video showed some Nigerians surrounding Amupitan’s vehicle in the UK and hurling insults at him over allegations that he plans to rig the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the incident in a post on his official X handle on Friday, Sani questioned why Nigerians would intimidate the electoral umpire over an election that is yet to be conducted.
He likened the incident to the activities of political thugs in Nigeria who disrupt public events, insult and harass individuals.
According to him, such behaviour portrays Nigeria negatively before the international community, particularly at a time when Nigerians face hostility and negative perceptions in some foreign countries.
Sani argued that attacking the INEC chairman before the election was equivalent to attacking a referee before a football match.
He wrote, “The National election is scheduled to be held next year. Parties and candidates are campaigning in all the states.
“What is the point in intimidating and harassing the INEC chairman in London for an election that is yet to be held?
“What is the difference between their actions and those of thugs who gatecrash, insult and molest others here at home?
“Is that the kind of video footage we want the World to see in times like this, when the South Africans and others see us as pests in their countries? Where is the sense in attacking a Referee before the match?”
