Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has called on the United States and the international community to impose sanctions on senior Nigerian government officials over alleged anti-democratic practices.

Frank made the appeal in a statement on Friday, urging the U.S. government to consider visa restrictions, asset freezes, and economic sanctions against officials he accused of undermining Nigeria’s democracy.

He alleged that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was using state institutions to weaken opposition parties ahead of future elections, a claim the government has not responded to.

According to him, “The aim and goal are to ensure that no political party fields a candidate strong enough to contest with the president,” warning that such developments could destabilise the country if not addressed.

Frank also accused institutions such as the judiciary and legislature of being used to frustrate opposition groups, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy should remain a contest of ideas rather than what he described as a “monarchical system.”

He urged the United States, the United Nations, and other international bodies to intervene early, warning that inaction could lead to a deeper political crisis.

“The international community must not wait until Nigeria descends into crisis or conflict before taking action,” he said, noting that instability in Africa’s most populous nation could have wider regional consequences.

His comments come amid tensions involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which recently delisted the leadership of the African Democratic Congress led by David Mark.

While the opposition party accused the federal government of influencing the decision, INEC maintained that the action was based on ongoing legal disputes affecting the party’s leadership structure.