In a recent statement on his verified Twitter account, former Nigerian Senator Shehu Sani voiced strong opinions regarding gender transition and its implications within African societies.
Emphasizing his stance, Sani asserted, “You can’t change your gender no matter the section of your body you mutilated. You can just deform yourself. Gender is an irreversible and irrevocable physical and spiritual identity.”
Through his words, Sani highlighted the permanence of gender as an identity, grounded both in physical and spiritual dimensions. This viewpoint aligns with some conservative perspectives on gender identity, where gender is seen as a fixed attribute that cannot be altered through surgery or other medical interventions. He likened gender transition surgeries to physical deformities, rejecting the notion that they could lead to genuine transformation.
Sani’s comment also touched upon the cultural context, suggesting that African societies should resist adopting Western perspectives on gender identity and transition. “As Africans, this is the kind of civilisation we don’t want to be part of,” he stated. His remarks reflect a belief among some African leaders that certain Western ideologies on gender and identity might clash with African values and traditions.