Comrade Timi Frank, a political activist and former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC), has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the ruling APC of doing things that could upset Nigeria’s democratic system. He also said that recent events involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could lead to a national crisis.
He also asked the US government, notably President Donald Trump, to step in to protect democracy in Nigeria, according to the Daily Independent.
Frank said in a statement in Abuja today that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would no longer recognize David Mark’s leadership of the ADC or that of Nafiu Bala Gombe, the party’s former Vice Chairman who claims to be the real acting national chairman of the party, until a Federal High Court in Abuja decides on a lawsuit filed by Gombe.
Frank quickly responded by saying that intervention in opposition groups, now including the ADC, is a significant threat to democratic governance and might “set Nigeria on fire” if it isn’t dealt with right away.
He stated, “INEC and the APC-led government seem to be doing things that threaten the very foundation of our democracy.” He also said that the way things are happening in opposition parties implies that they are working together to weaken political competition before the 2027 general elections.
He said that the pattern is similar to what happened when previous Head of State Sani Abacha was in power, when democratic institutions were shut down.
Frank said, “This pattern is similar to what happened during General Sani Abacha’s time.”
The activist was worried about what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was doing, saying that recent events suggest a move toward dictatorship.
“President Bola Tinubu’s recent actions have raised worries about a return to authoritarianism.” “He is so desperate to stay in power that he will do anything to do so, which makes me worry about the future of democracy in Nigeria,” he said.
Frank said that outside forces had affected internal problems in major opposition groups like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, Social Democratic Party (SDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). He also said that the crisis is now extending to the ADC.
He also said that the courts were being used to make it harder for opposition parties to win by making questionable decisions.
He stated, “The courts and the judiciary have been used to stop democratic processes with silly decisions,” and he asked the world community to do something about what he called violations of judicial integrity.
Frank also wanted consequences, such visa bans, against officials in charge of elections and the courts.
“We want sanctions and visa restrictions against these people… the 2027 election is important to Nigerians, and democracy must thrive,” he stated.
He also said that arrests and legal processes were being used to go after those in the opposition.
He said, “They arrest opposition leaders for no reason, without charges, and frame them with accusations ranging from terrorism to corruption.”
Frank said that Nigeria could become unstable if things don’t change.
He warned, “Nigeria is about to go into anarchy and a crisis that might be hard to stop.” He also said that these kinds of events have historically led to political turmoil, including civil wars in other countries.
He told Nigerians, religious leaders, and civil society groups to stand up for democracy. “I ask all Nigerians who care about our democracy, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and traditional leaders, to speak out and protect it. “At this important time, silence is not an option,” he remarked.
The activist also asked the world, especially the United States, to step in and promote democratic values.
He went on to say, “I urge the international community to stay alert… especially U.S. President Donald Trump, to promote and support the preservation of democratic values in Nigeria.”
Frank said that Nigerians had fought against anti-democratic forces in the past and would do so again.
“Nigerians have faced similar problems before and will do so again.” All Nigerians should be able to freely join groups and make choices. He said, “That’s enough.”
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