Former Nigerian lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has condemned the harassment of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, by some Nigerians in the United Kingdom.
A viral video showed a group of Nigerians surrounding the INEC chairman’s vehicle in the UK and hurling insults at him over allegations that the electoral body plans to rig the forthcoming general elections.
Reacting to the incident in a post on his official X account on Friday, Sani questioned the rationale behind intimidating the head of the electoral commission ahead of an election that is yet to take place.
He likened the conduct of those involved to the actions of political thugs who disrupt public events and harass individuals in Nigeria.
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The former senator also warned that such behaviour could damage the country’s image internationally, particularly at a time when Nigerians face negative perceptions in some foreign countries.
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?”