2027: Timi Frank accuses Tinubu of weaponising judiciary against opposition

Former Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of allegedly using the judiciary to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, following a Federal High Court judgment affecting the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Frank, in a statement issued on Thursday, described the court ruling removing David Mark’s leadership of the ADC as a development that raises serious questions about the independence of democratic institutions and the political environment ahead of the next presidential election.

He called on the United States Government and other members of the international community to closely monitor Nigeria’s political developments and urge the Federal Government to uphold democratic principles, judicial independence and the constitutional rights of opposition parties.

The former APC chieftain alleged that the judgment was part of a broader attempt by the Presidency to weaken opposition forces before the 2027 elections, although he did not provide independent evidence establishing the alleged involvement of the President or his administration in the court’s decision.

“The recent court judgment has raised serious concerns about what appears to be a desperate act by the Presidency—an act reminiscent of a dying man clutching at straws,” he said.

Frank warned against the judiciary becoming embroiled in partisan political disputes, insisting that courts must maintain independence and impartiality as political activities intensify ahead of the elections.

“It is a desperate act from the Presidency. I must warn that the judiciary must stay clear of the 2027 elections. Its independence and impartiality are fundamental to the survival of our democracy,” he added.

READ ALSO; ADC rejects Court ruling nullifying Atiku’s 2027 presidential candidacy, vows appeal

His comments come amid heightened political tensions surrounding the ADC and the broader opposition landscape, with disputes over party leadership and internal political arrangements attracting judicial attention.

The Federal High Court judgment affecting David Mark’s leadership has added another dimension to the unfolding political developments, particularly as opposition parties seek to organise and position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.

Frank argued that judicial decisions capable of disrupting opposition structures could weaken political competition and undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

He therefore appealed directly to Washington and other international partners to pay closer attention to the country’s political and judicial environment.

“The international community, particularly the United States, must pay close attention to developments in Nigeria. The alleged weaponization of the judiciary against the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections poses a grave threat to our democracy and could plunge Africa’s largest country into a serious political crisis,” he said.

READ ALSO; Court sacks David Mark-led ADC leadership, nullifies Atiku’s 2027 presidential candidacy

The former APC national officer also urged the Nigerian government to respect constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of association, political participation and the right of political parties to organise their affairs within the framework of the law.

His intervention has brought renewed attention to the relationship between political party disputes, judicial intervention and electoral competition in Nigeria.

However, allegations of executive interference in judicial proceedings remain serious claims that require evidence and an opportunity for the Presidency to respond. The court’s judgment, its legal reasoning and any subsequent appeal will be central to determining the implications of the ruling for the ADC’s leadership and preparations for the 2027 elections.

As political activities gather momentum, the handling of party disputes by the courts and the ability of opposition groups to operate within the constitutional framework are likely to remain important issues in Nigeria’s democratic debate.