According to reports circulating on social media, former Kaduna Central senator and human rights advocate Shehu Sani has weighed in on the growing controversy surrounding Nigeria’s electoral body, offering a broader perspective on the pressures faced by its leadership.
His comments come amid public backlash directed at Joash Amupitan, who has recently been criticized over a decision to withdraw recognition from a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) reportedly aligned with David Mark. The move has sparked heated debate, with critics questioning whether political considerations may have influenced the action.
Reacting via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Sani defended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), arguing that anyone occupying such a sensitive position must expect constant scrutiny. He explained that decisions taken by electoral officials are rarely viewed as neutral, as different political interests often interpret outcomes based on how they are affected.
To illustrate his point, Sani referenced the experience of former INEC chairman Attahiru Jega. He recalled that Jega faced intense criticism, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria, after declaring Goodluck Jonathan winner of the 2011 presidential election. At the time, many detractors openly questioned his credibility.
However, Sani noted that perceptions shifted significantly in 2015 when Jega announced Muhammadu Buhari as the winner of the presidential poll. The same voices that once condemned him later praised his conduct, highlighting how public opinion can be shaped by political outcomes.
Drawing from this pattern, Sani advised that Amupitan should brace for ongoing criticism, emphasizing that electoral decisions rarely achieve universal approval. He concluded that reactions to such rulings are often determined by who benefits, underscoring the complex and demanding nature of managing Nigeria’s electoral system….See More
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