A former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has raised alarm over what he described as growing threats to Nigeria’s democracy.
He accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of actions capable of weakening opposition parties and called for international attention, including intervention from the United States.
Frank spoke on Thursday in a statement reacting to INEC’s decision not to recognise David Mark’s leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The electoral body had said it would await the outcome of a pending suit before a Federal High Court in Abuja before taking a position.
The APC chieftain said the move signals a wider pattern that could undermine political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections. He warned that recent developments across the political space are not isolated but part of a broader trend.
“INEC and the APC-led government appear to be taking steps that threaten the very foundation of our democracy,” Frank said.
He added that the situation is becoming increasingly worrying, noting that several opposition parties are facing internal crises at the same time. According to him, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, Social Democratic Party (SDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have all been affected, with the crisis now extending to the ADC.
Frank alleged that these challenges are being influenced by external forces. He said the pattern suggests a coordinated effort to weaken opposition structures ahead of future elections.
He also raised concerns about the role of the judiciary. He claimed that court decisions are being used to frustrate political parties and derail democratic processes.
“The courts and the judiciary have been used to thwart democratic processes with frivolous decisions,” he said.
Frank further warned that Nigeria could be heading towards political instability if urgent steps are not taken. He compared the current situation to the era of former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, when democratic institutions were suppressed.
“This pattern is reminiscent of the tactics employed during the era of General Sani Abacha,” he stated.
He expressed concern over the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging that recent actions point to authoritarian tendencies. According to him, the drive to retain power at all costs could have serious consequences for democratic governance.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has, through recent actions, evoked concerns of a return to authoritarian tendencies. His desperation to retain power by all means raises serious questions about the future of democratic governance in Nigeria,” he said.
Frank warned that the country could slide into a deeper crisis if the current trend continues. He said similar developments in other countries have led to serious political unrest and even civil conflicts.
“Nigeria is about to head into anarchy and a crisis that might be difficult to curtail,” he said.
He called on key institutions and groups across the country to rise in defence of democracy. These include the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and traditional rulers.
“I call on all well-meaning Nigerians… to speak up and defend our democracy. Silence at this critical moment is not an option,” he said.
Frank also appealed to the international community to pay close attention to developments in Nigeria. He specifically mentioned the President of the United States, Donald Trump, urging him to support democratic values in the country.
“I urge the international community to remain vigilant… particularly the President of the United States, Donald Trump, to encourage and support the preservation of democratic values in Nigeria,” he added.