DEMOCRACY MUST NOT BE HELD HOSTAGE: CONDEMNING THE INTIMIDATION AND PUBLIC HARASSMENT OF NIGERIA’S INEC CHAIRMAN, PROF. JOASH OJO AMUPITAN, IN LONDON
A CALL TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AFRICAN UNION, COMMONWEALTH AND INTERNATIONAL DEMOCRATIC COMMUNITY FOR URGENT ATTENTION
Distinguished representatives of the International community, representatives of the United Nations, International human rights organizations, members of the press, distinguished ladies and gentlemen.
We address you today with deep concern over the disturbing incident involving the Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, outside Chatham House in London on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
Reports and video footage circulating in the public domain indicate that the INEC Chairman’s vehicle was surrounded and prevented from moving by demonstrators following his participation in an international engagement on Nigeria’s democratic future and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
While we recognise the constitutional and democratic rights of citizens to protest, express dissatisfaction and demand accountability from public officeholders, we strongly condemn any action that crosses the boundaries of peaceful protest into intimidation, harassment, physical obstruction or the potential endangerment of human life.
DEMOCRACY MUST BE BUILT ON PRINCIPLES, NOT INTIMIDATION.
1. AN ATTACK ON DEMOCRATIC DECENCY
The office of the Chairman of INEC is a constitutionally established institution entrusted with the enormous responsibility of conducting elections and safeguarding the democratic aspirations of millions of Nigerians.
Regardless of disagreements with the Commission or its leadership, its chairman deserves the protection, dignity and freedom necessary to discharge his responsibilities.
No public official should be subjected to intimidation or personal harassment as a substitute for constructive engagement, lawful investigation or institutional accountability.
We must distinguish between legitimate democratic criticism and deliberate actions capable of undermining the dignity and security of public institutions.
1. ELECTIONS ARE APPROACHING: WHAT IS THE JUSTIFICATION FOR HARASSING THE INEC CHAIRMAN IN THE UNITED KINGDOM?
Nigeria is approaching another general election in 2027. Political parties are already positioning themselves, candidates are preparing, political consultations are ongoing, and the democratic process is gradually gathering momentum.
Against this background, we ask a fundamental question:
THE 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS ARE NEXT YEAR, POLITICAL PARTIES ARE CAMPAIGNING AND PREPARING, SO WHAT EXACTLY IS THE POINT OF HARASSING THE INEC CHAIRMAN IN THE UNITED KINGDOM?
If there are genuine concerns about electoral preparations, the appropriate response should be constructive engagement, transparent dialogue, lawful scrutiny and institutional accountability.
Why resort to public confrontation, intimidation and physical obstruction when the electoral process that some people claim to be concerned about has not even taken place?
Nigerians and the international community deserve a democracy in which electoral disagreements are addressed through established democratic institutions rather than personal attacks and public intimidation.
Furthermore, recent off-cycle elections conducted under the supervision of INEC have received commendations for their credibility and conduct. These experiences provide grounds for constructive engagement and an opportunity to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process, rather than prematurely subjecting the Commission’s leadership to hostility over an election yet to be conducted.
We are not suggesting that INEC should be beyond criticism or scrutiny. Far from it. We strongly believe that accountability is fundamental to democracy. However, accountability must be evidence-based, constructive and pursued through lawful channels.
YOU CANNOT CLAIM TO BE DEFENDING DEMOCRACY WHILE ENGAGING IN ACTIONS THAT THREATEN ITS INSTITUTIONS.
1. OUR CONCERN ABOUT POSSIBLE ORGANISED INTIMIDATION
The circumstances surrounding this incident raise legitimate questions about its organisation, coordination and the adequacy of the security arrangements at the venue.
We believe that any suggestion of a coordinated attempt to intimidate or endanger the INEC Chairman must be taken seriously and independently investigated.
We therefore call for transparency regarding the circumstances of the incident, including the conduct of security personnel present and the measures taken to protect the Chairman.
We must not allow speculation to replace evidence, but neither should legitimate questions about public safety and institutional protection be ignored.
1. PROTECTING THE INDEPENDENCE OF INEC
The independence, credibility and institutional integrity of INEC are essential to the survival of Nigeria’s democracy.
We may disagree with electoral decisions, demand explanations, question administrative processes and insist on transparency. These are legitimate democratic demands.
However, efforts to undermine the dignity, independence or operational freedom of the electoral institution through intimidation must be rejected.
Our democracy cannot afford an atmosphere in which public officials are threatened or physically obstructed whenever difficult questions arise.
The 2027 general elections must be approached with maturity, political tolerance, institutional respect and confidence in democratic processes.
1. OUR APPEAL TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
We respectfully call on:
* The United Nations: Particularly its relevant human rights and democratic governance mechanisms, to take note of this incident and encourage respect for democratic institutions and the rule of law.
* The African Union: To reaffirm its commitment to constitutional governance, institutional independence and peaceful democratic engagement across the continent.
* The Commonwealth: To promote democratic accountability, political tolerance and the protection of public institutions.
* The British Government and relevant United Kingdom authorities: To ensure that the circumstances surrounding the incident are properly examined and that the safety of visiting public officials is not compromised.
* Chatham House: To provide relevant clarification concerning the security arrangements and circumstances surrounding the incident.
* International human rights and democracy organisations: To encourage an environment where public accountability can take place without intimidation or threats to personal safety.
1. OUR DEMANDS
We hereby make the following demands:
1. An independent and transparent examination of the circumstances surrounding the obstruction of the INEC Chairman’s vehicle.
2. Clarification of the roles and responsibilities of security personnel present during the incident.
3. Appropriate measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents against Nigerian public officials or other individuals exercising their lawful responsibilities.
4. Respect for the independence, dignity and constitutional responsibilities of Nigeria’s electoral institution.
5. An end to political intimidation, threats and actions capable of undermining democratic confidence.
6. Greater commitment by all political actors and stakeholders to peaceful dialogue, constructive criticism and the rule of law.
7. A renewed commitment by all stakeholders to allow INEC to discharge its constitutional responsibilities without intimidation, undue pressure or interference.
CONCLUSION: NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY MUST BE PROTECTED
Our position is simple and unequivocal: democracy must accommodate criticism, opposition, protest and accountability, but it must never legitimise intimidation, harassment or the endangerment of human life.
We do not seek to silence Nigerians who have genuine grievances against INEC. Rather, we insist that their grievances must be pursued through lawful, peaceful and constructive democratic channels.
The forthcoming 2027 general elections should be an opportunity to strengthen our democratic institutions, deepen public confidence and demonstrate our collective commitment to credible elections.
Political parties are preparing, candidates are positioning themselves, and Nigerians are looking forward to another democratic exercise. There is therefore no justification for turning the INEC Chairman into an object of public intimidation in a foreign country over an electoral exercise that is yet to take place.
If there are concerns about the Commission, let them be addressed through evidence, dialogue, transparency and lawful institutional mechanisms.
The international community must not wait until democratic institutions are physically threatened before expressing concern.
Nigeria’s democratic future is too important to be subjected to intimidation, political hostility or the erosion of institutional confidence.
We stand firmly for democracy, justice, accountability, institutional independence and the rule of law.
LET THE WORLD HEAR US!
DEMOCRACY MUST NOT BE HELD HOSTAGE!
Tijani Abdulmumuni
National Coordinator
Concern Nigeria Youths
For Coalition of Civil Society In Nigeria
Thank you.
