Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the ruling APC of taking steps he claims could destabilise Nigeria’s democratic system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued Thursday, Frank also called on the United States government under Donald Trump to intervene in support of democratic institutions in Nigeria.
His remarks followed INEC’s decision on Wednesday to derecognise the leadership of David Mark in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), pending the outcome of a suit before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Reacting to the development, Frank alleged that what he described as interference in opposition parties—now extending to the ADC—poses a serious threat to democratic governance and could heighten political tension if not urgently addressed.
He further claimed that recent developments across opposition parties suggest a coordinated effort to weaken political competition ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that the trend echoes events during the era of former military ruler Sani Abacha.
Frank also raised concerns about the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging that recent political developments point to what he described as emerging authoritarian tendencies.
According to him, internal crises within major opposition parties—including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, Social Democratic Party (SDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—may have been influenced by external forces, adding that similar developments now appear to be affecting the ADC.
He also alleged that the judiciary was being used to frustrate opposition parties through questionable rulings and warned that such developments could deepen political instability if left unchecked.
Frank called on professional bodies and civic organisations, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), as well as traditional rulers, to speak out in defence of democratic institutions.
He also urged the international community, particularly the United States, to remain vigilant and support efforts aimed at preserving democratic values in Nigeria.
