Chatham House member condemns INEC chairman’s harassment in London, calls for UK investigation

From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

A United Kingdom-based Nigerian and member of Chatham House, Tunmise Ajiboye, has strongly condemned the recent confrontation, harassment and blocking of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), by diaspora protesters in London.

Ajiboye has called on United Kingdom authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure that anyone involved in the dastardly act is held accountable under the law.

Professor Amupitan was in London to deliver an address on Nigeria’s 2027 general elections and democratic trajectory at Chatham House, in an event hosted in partnership with the Kimpact Development Initiative, when he was targeted by the protesters.

In a statement made available to our correspondent on Saturday, Ajiboye noted that Chatham House remained one of the world’s most respected platforms for policy dialogue, international affairs and democratic engagement.

He expressed deep disappointment that such a prestigious event was marred by an ambush outside the venue and near the UK Parliament area.

He said that, during the incident, Professor Amupitan’s vehicle was surrounded and blocked until security agents and Chatham House officials intervened.

“As a member of Chatham House, I understand the value of this institution as a space where leaders, policymakers, academics, and citizens exchange ideas freely and respectfully.

“To turn the environment around such an institution into a scene of intimidation and mob action is a betrayal of the very democratic principles such engagements seek to promote,” Ajiboye said.

Denouncing the conduct as unacceptable, Ajiboye emphasised that no Nigerian, whether at home or in the diaspora, should support the harassment of a public official performing official duties.

He stressed that an electoral referee should be held accountable through proper democratic channels rather than being attacked before the 2027 elections had even taken place.

Ajiboye also aligned himself with the stance of former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani, who condemned the incident as an unfair and premature attack on an electoral referee, describing Sani’s position as responsible and consistent with democratic values.

While acknowledging that Nigerians had a right to demand free, fair and credible elections in 2027 and that legitimate grievances must be heard, Ajiboye maintained that unlawful conduct was never justified.

“Ambush, intimidation, and mob action cannot produce the democracy we claim to desire. They only weaken public confidence, embarrass Nigeria before the international community, and create an atmosphere where violence replaces dialogue,” he stated.

Ajiboye urged UK authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly. He further appealed to Nigerians in the diaspora to channel their frustrations into lawful advocacy, voter education, constructive engagement with INEC and peaceful democratic participation.

“Nigeria’s democracy will not be saved by disorder. It will be saved by credible institutions, responsible citizens, peaceful participation, and respect for the rule of law,” Ajiboye added.