SHEHU SANI URGES OPPOSITION TO FOCUS ON NIGERIANS, NOT FOREIGN APPROVAL

Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has advised opposition politicians to stop looking to the United States, the European Union and other foreign powers for political validation.

Sani said political actors seeking to challenge the government should concentrate on winning the confidence and support of Nigerians rather than relying on endorsements or recognition from international governments and organisations. He stressed that the strength of any political movement should ultimately come from the people it seeks to represent.

The former lawmaker’s comments come amid increasing political activities and positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition figures working to build stronger platforms capable of challenging the ruling party. He urged politicians to pay greater attention to issues affecting citizens and develop convincing alternatives that can earn public support.

According to Sani, foreign governments have their own interests and priorities, meaning Nigerian politicians should not build their political strategies around expectations of intervention or approval from abroad. He maintained that Nigerians themselves should remain at the centre of political campaigns and efforts to effect political change.

He therefore encouraged opposition leaders and their supporters to strengthen their structures at the grassroots, engage citizens directly and present credible programmes capable of addressing the country’s challenges. Sani maintained that genuine political legitimacy must come from the electorate rather than external recognition.