Political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Timi Frank, has raised serious alarm over recent moves by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the ruling APC, claiming that their interference in opposition party affairs could destabilize Nigeria’s democratic system.
Frank’s statement, issued in Abuja, was in response to INEC’s recent decision to derecognize the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), specifically targeting former Senate President David Mark and the erstwhile Vice Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, pending the outcome of a Federal High Court suit filed by Bala Gombe.
According to Frank, such interference in opposition parties poses “a serious threat to democratic governance” and could “set Nigeria on fire” if left unaddressed.
He accused INEC and the APC-led government of taking actions reminiscent of past authoritarian regimes, warning that the developments reflect a coordinated attempt to weaken political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“This pattern is reminiscent of the tactics employed during the era of General Sani Abacha,” Frank said, noting that the current drift could signify a return to authoritarianism under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He claimed that the internal crises observed within major opposition parties — including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) — were influenced by external pressures, and that the judiciary was allegedly being leveraged to frustrate opposition through “frivolous decisions.”
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Frank appealed to the international community, particularly the President of the United States, Donald Trump, to intervene in support of democratic norms in Nigeria.
He called for sanctions, including visa restrictions, against electoral and judicial officials he accused of undermining democratic processes.
“Nigeria is about to head into anarchy and a crisis that might be difficult to curtail,” Frank warned, urging Nigerians, civil society organizations, and religious leaders to defend democracy. “Silence at this critical moment is not an option.”
He specifically mentioned groups such as the Nigerian Bar Association, Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, Nigeria Medical Association, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and traditional rulers as critical stakeholders in safeguarding democratic integrity.
Frank reminded Nigerians of their history of resisting anti-democratic forces, stressing that freedom of association and the right to choose leaders must be preserved. “Enough is enough. Nigerians have resisted similar challenges in the past and will do so again,” he said.
Signed in his capacity as ULMWP Ambassador (East Africa and Middle East) and Senior Advisor, Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA, Frank’s statement underscores growing tensions over opposition party autonomy and the role of electoral and judicial institutions in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
Experts in political governance caution that continued interference in opposition parties could heighten political instability and polarize public opinion, potentially leading to unrest if not addressed through transparent and lawful processes.
“The protection of democratic institutions is critical at this stage,” said Dr. Chinyere Okonkwo, a political analyst based in Abuja. “Any perception of bias by electoral bodies or government authorities can exacerbate political tensions and undermine public trust ahead of the general elections.”