INEC Chairman’s London Ordeal: Chatham House Member Urges UK Probe

A Nigerian citizen based in the United Kingdom and member of Chatham House, Tunmise Ajiboye, has condemned the alleged harassment and obstruction of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), by some Nigerian protesters in London.

Ajiboye described the incident as unacceptable, warning that intimidation of public officials could undermine democratic values and Nigeria’s image before the international community.

Amupitan was in London to deliver an address on Nigeria’s 2027 general elections and democratic trajectory at Chatham House, in partnership with the Kimpact Development Initiative.

However, Ajiboye, in a statement, said the INEC chairman’s vehicle was surrounded and blocked by protesters outside the venue and around the UK Parliament area before security agents and Chatham House officials intervened.

Expressing disappointment over the development, he said the incident was contrary to the principles of dialogue and democratic engagement which Chatham House represents.

“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,” he said.

“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 maintained that although Nigerians had the right to demand credible elections in 2027, their grievances should be expressed through lawful and democratic means rather than confrontation.

He argued that the INEC chairman, as the nation’s electoral umpire, should be held accountable through established democratic channels rather than subjected to intimidation before the elections.

“The INEC Chairman is an electoral referee. He should be held accountable through proper democratic channels, not attacked before the 2027 elections have even taken place,” he stated.

The Chatham House member also aligned himself with the position of former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, who had condemned the incident, describing it as an unfair attack on an electoral referee ahead of the elections.

Ajiboye acknowledged that Nigerians had legitimate concerns about the electoral process but stressed that such concerns did not justify unlawful conduct.

“Legitimate grievances do not justify unlawful conduct. Ambush, intimidation, and mob action cannot produce the democracy we claim to desire,” he said.

He warned that such incidents could weaken public confidence in democratic institutions, embarrass the country internationally and create an atmosphere where violence takes the place of constructive dialogue.

Ajiboye therefore called on the United Kingdom authorities to investigate the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable was held accountable in accordance with the law.

He also urged Nigerians in the diaspora to channel their concerns into lawful advocacy, voter education, constructive engagement with INEC and peaceful participation in the democratic process.

” 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,” he added.