Comrade Timi Frank and President Bola Tinubu
***Calls for International Intervention
Political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has raised alarm over what he described as actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the ruling APC that could destabilise Nigeria’s democratic system.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Frank warned that recent developments surrounding the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could trigger a wider political crisis if not urgently addressed.
He also called on the international community, particularly the United States government and former President Donald Trump, to intervene in order to safeguard democratic governance in Nigeria.
Frank’s reaction followed a decision by INEC to suspend recognition of competing leadership claims within the ADC, pending the determination of a case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
He, however, criticised the move, alleging that it reflects a broader pattern of interference in opposition party affairs.
According to him, such actions pose a serious threat to democratic stability and could “set Nigeria on fire” if allowed to continue unchecked.
Frank argued that the unfolding political developments suggest a coordinated effort to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that this could erode political competition and deepen democratic deficits.
He further drew parallels between the current situation and past military rule, stating that the pattern of events is reminiscent of the era of former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, when democratic institutions were suppressed.
Expressing concern over the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Frank alleged that recent political developments point to a drift toward authoritarian tendencies.
He also claimed that internal crises within major opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), were being influenced by external forces, with similar pressures now extending to the ADC.
He also accused the judiciary of being used to frustrate opposition parties, alleging that certain court rulings were undermining democratic processes.
Frank called for sanctions, including visa restrictions, against individuals he alleged were responsible for actions that threaten democracy, urging the international community to take a firmer stance.
He further alleged that opposition figures were being subjected to arrests and legal actions without sufficient justification, describing the situation as an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
Warning of possible instability, Frank cautioned that Nigeria risks sliding into crisis if current trends persist.
“Nigeria is about to head into a crisis that may be difficult to control,” he warned, adding that similar conditions in other countries have historically led to severe political unrest.
He urged Nigerians, civil society organisations, and professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), and Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), to speak out in defence of democracy.
“Silence at this critical moment is not an option,” he said.
Frank further appealed to the international community to remain attentive to Nigeria’s political developments, insisting that global support is essential to preserving democratic values.
He maintained that Nigerians have a strong history of resisting anti-democratic forces and would continue to defend their freedoms.
“Enough is enough. Freedom of association and the right to choose must be protected,” he added.12q