Former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary and political activist, Comrade Timi Frank, has sounded an alarm over Nigeria’s democratic future, warning that failure by key institutions to uphold integrity ahead of the 2027 elections could ignite protests on the scale of Nepal’s recent upheavals.
Frank—currently ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East—praised INEC for recognizing the David Mark-led African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership, calling it “a bold step to restore credibility.” But he insisted this goodwill must be backed by sweeping reforms to regain public trust after what he described as “contrived irregularities” during the 2023 polls.
“Democracy thrives only when arbiters remain neutral and courageous under pressure,” Frank declared. “INEC cannot afford a repeat of its failures. Nigeria’s fragile socio-political climate means another betrayal could trigger unrest far worse than Nepal’s.”
He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of systematically intimidating opposition leaders, citing recent incidents targeting Nasir El-Rufai in Kaduna, former AGF Abubakar Malami in Kebbi, and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour in Lagos. Frank warned that such tactics deepen public anger and erode democratic values.
Calling for urgent constitutional and electoral reforms—including electronic transmission of results—he urged INEC to purge partisan officials and ensure that Mahmood Yakubu’s successor as chairman has “unquestionable integrity.”
Frank admonished security agencies to abandon “their usual role in election rigging,” emphasizing their duty to safeguard voters and prevent violence. He also reminded the judiciary of its responsibility to deliver impartial justice, warning: “Nigerians will hold judges accountable. Justice must not only be done but be seen to be done.”
Appealing to the international community, Frank urged global leaders—including former U.S. President Donald Trump—to pressure Nigeria’s leadership to enact reforms and sanction compromised officials.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to register, vote, and defend their ballots in 2027, cautioning: “Without bold reforms and ethical leadership, Nigeria risks sliding into chaos that could erase decades of democratic progress.”