… Urges U.S. urgent intervention to safeguard democracy
A political activist and former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the ruling APC of taking actions capable of destabilising Nigeria’s democratic system, warning that recent developments involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could trigger a national crisis.
He also called on the United States government, especially President Donald Trump, to intervene to safeguard democracy in Nigeria.
Frank in a statement in Abuja had reacted to a decision by INEC to henceforth derecognise the David Mark’s leadership of the ADC or that of the erstwhile Vice Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala Gombe – who claims to be the authentic acting national chairman of the party – pending the determination of a suit filed by the latter before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
However, Frank in a swift riposte alleged that interference in opposition parties, now extending to the ADC, poses a serious threat to democratic governance and could “set Nigeria on fire” if not urgently addressed.
“INEC and the APC-led government appear to be taking steps that threaten the very foundation of our democracy,” he said, adding that the pattern of events across opposition parties suggests a coordinated attempt to weaken political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He warned that the trend mirrors developments during the regime of former Head of State, Sani Abacha, when democratic institutions were suppressed.
“This pattern is reminiscent of the tactics employed during the era of General Sani Abacha,” Frank stated.
The activist expressed concern over the actions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging that recent developments point to a drift towards authoritarianism.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has, through recent actions, evoked concerns of a return to authoritarian tendencies. His desperation to retain power by all means raises serious questions about the future of democratic governance in Nigeria,” he said.
Frank claimed that internal crises within major opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, Social Democratic Party (SDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), had been influenced by external forces, and warned that the situation was now spreading to the ADC.
He further alleged that the judiciary was being deployed to frustrate opposition parties through questionable rulings.
“The courts and the judiciary have been used to thwart democratic processes with frivolous decisions,” he said, calling on the international community to take action against what he described as violations of judicial integrity.
Frank further called for sanctions, including visa restrictions, against electoral and judicial officials.
“We are calling for sanctions, visa restrictions against these persons… the 2027 election is important to Nigerians, democracy must thrive,” he said.
He also alleged that opposition figures were being targeted through arrests and legal actions.
“They arrest opposition leaders unnecessarily, without charges, and frame them with allegations ranging from terrorism to corruption,” he claimed.
Frank warned that Nigeria could be heading towards instability if the situation persists.
“Nigeria is about to head into anarchy and a crisis that might be difficult to curtail,” he said, adding that such developments have historically led to political upheavals, including civil wars in other countries.
He urged Nigerians, civil society organisations and religious leaders to rise in defence of democracy.
“I call on all well-meaning Nigerians, including the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and traditional rulers, among others, to speak up and defend our democracy. Silence at this critical moment is not an option,” he said.
The activist also appealed to the international community, particularly the United States, to intervene in support of democratic values.
“I urge the international community to remain vigilant… particularly the President of the United States, Donald Trump, to encourage and support the preservation of democratic values in Nigeria,” he added.
Frank maintained that Nigerians had a history of resisting anti-democratic forces and would do so again.
“Nigerians have resisted similar challenges in the past and will do so again. Freedom of association and the right to choose must be protected for all Nigerians. Enough is enough,” he said.
