Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has accused Nigeria of applying double standards in its response to threats of political, religious and ethnic violence, alleging that similar statements are treated differently depending on the region from which they originate.
Sani made the allegation in a post on X on Sunday, following a controversial remark by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, who warned that a recent court judgment against his party’s leadership could trigger a civil war if not properly managed.
The former lawmaker argued that threats of violence and civil war made by individuals outside the South-East were often treated as normal by the government and members of the public.
Amaechi made the remark during an interview on Mainland 98.3 FM, following Thursday’s judgment by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the leadership of the ADC led by former Senate President, David Mark.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, also invalidated the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
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Speaking during the interview, Amaechi said: “It could cause a civil war if not properly managed.”
Reacting to the statement, Sani criticised what he considered an inconsistent response to threats of violence across different parts of the country, arguing that Amaechi’s remark should not be treated casually.
He further accused the country of applying selective and discriminatory standards in matters concerning peace, security, justice and national unity.
“If anyone from any part of the country makes a threat of political, religious or ethnic violence; if anyone can make a threat of civil war; as long as he is not from the South-East, the nation and the general public treat it as normal.
“This is how the country selectively, disproportionately, discriminately, and immorally acts on matters of peace, security, justice, and national unity,” he said.