Timi Frank: INEC Actions Threaten Democracy, Calls on Trump to Support Nigeria

A former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has raised serious concerns over what he describes as growing threats to Nigeria’s democracy, calling for urgent action from both domestic institutions and the international community, including the United States.

Frank made the remarks on Thursday in response to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) decision to suspend recognition of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following a long-standing internal dispute. The commission said it would await the outcome of a pending Federal High Court suit in Abuja before determining which faction to officially recognise.

According to Frank, INEC’s action is part of a wider pattern that threatens fair political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections. He warned that the challenges facing opposition parties are not isolated incidents but a coordinated effort to weaken alternative political structures in Nigeria. He noted that major parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, Social Democratic Party (SDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have faced similar internal crises, and now the ADC is being affected.

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Frank further expressed concern over the judiciary, alleging that some court decisions are being used to frustrate political parties and derail democratic processes. He said the pattern of judicial interference is reminiscent of tactics employed during the era of former military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, when democratic institutions were widely suppressed.

He also criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claiming that recent government actions point to authoritarian tendencies. Frank suggested that attempts to retain power at all costs could have serious consequences for the country’s democratic governance and warned that Nigeria risks sliding into instability if urgent measures are not taken.

“Nigeria is about to head into anarchy and a crisis that might be difficult to curtail,” Frank said, urging Nigerians and political institutions to defend democratic institutions before it is too late. He called on groups including 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 to act decisively.

Frank also appealed to the international community to monitor developments closely. He specifically called on the President of the United States, Donald Trump, to encourage and support the preservation of democratic values in Nigeria, stressing the strategic importance of global engagement in safeguarding free elections.

Meanwhile, the ADC rejected INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling, insisting that the commission acted under pressure from the federal government and did not reflect the party’s actual leadership. The party confirmed that consultations are ongoing to determine the next steps and reaffirmed that over 40,000 Nigerians have joined the party recently, signaling sustained grassroots support.

Analysts say the ongoing ADC leadership crisis underscores broader tensions in Nigeria’s political landscape and highlights the challenges opposition parties face in maintaining cohesion and credibility. The dispute could have significant implications for political realignments and electoral dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Timi Frank: INEC Actions Threaten Democracy, Calls on Trump to Support Nigeria

ADC Defies INEC, Moves Ahead with Congresses, Convention

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that it will proceed with its planned congresses and national convention, notwithstanding uncertainties surrounding its recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made this known on Thursday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the party.

Abdullahi disclosed that the ADC had duly notified Independent National Electoral Commission of its scheduled activities, in compliance with the statutory requirement of issuing a 21-day notice. He added that the commission acknowledged receipt of the notice.

Despite INEC’s stance on the party’s leadership crisis, Abdullahi maintained that the ADC would not suspend its internal processes, stressing its resolve to conduct its congresses and national convention as planned.

“We will go ahead with our congresses. We have given INEC 21 days’ notice, and they have accepted the notice. Whether they come or not, we will continue with our congresses and our convention,” he said.

The ADC spokesman also raised concerns over what he described as increasing threats to Nigeria’s democratic process, warning against alleged moves to stifle political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He argued that recent developments suggest attempts to limit voters’ choices, drawing parallels with past experiences in the country’s political history.

“If we were in a military regime, one could understand. But we are seeing a situation where everything is being done to make the 2027 election a fait accompli, leaving Nigerians with little or no choice,” Abdullahi stated.

The controversy follows INEC’s decision to remove the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, from its official portal.

The electoral body had also indicated that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to be declared national chairman through judicial means.

Amid the uncertainty, Abdullahi reiterated the party’s commitment to sustaining its internal democratic processes, warning that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected from actions capable of undermining political plurality.

ADC Defies INEC, Moves Ahead with Congresses, Convention

APC Governors, Lawmakers Clash Over Automatic Tickets Ahead of 2027 Elections

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing rising internal tensions as federal lawmakers and state governors push for automatic tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections. Senators, members of the House of Representatives, and outgoing governors seeking senatorial positions are reportedly demanding guaranteed slots to secure their party nominations, stirring debate over internal party democracy and candidate selection.

Reports indicate that lawmakers are worried some governors may block their return to the National Assembly or back alternative candidates for personal or political reasons. Sources say the party is carefully navigating these demands to prevent a crisis in the lead-up to primaries, especially given recent mass defections into the APC from opposition parties.

The APC National Assembly leadership has strongly advocated for automatic tickets for serving legislators, arguing that it would ensure continuity, stability, and effective policy implementation. Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, emphasized that lawmakers have played a pivotal role in advancing reforms under the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, including fiscal and electoral changes. Abbas described automatic tickets not as a “privilege,” but as a strategic measure to safeguard ongoing reforms.

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio also expressed support for the move, highlighting the importance of legislative continuity. Advocates argue that automatic tickets would allow lawmakers to focus on delivering their mandates without being distracted by competitive party primaries, helping sustain the party’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

A recent closed-door meeting between APC National Chairman Yilwatda Nentawe, National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, and House caucus members reportedly drew around 230 lawmakers. While no formal decision was reached, the party assured lawmakers that their interests would be considered. A party source said, “The party is in a dilemma. Many members have recently defected, and their interests must also be balanced.”

Political analysts warn that mishandling the automatic ticket demand could trigger a major internal crisis during the primaries. Analyst Mathew Ifeolu stated that most political disputes in Nigeria emerge after primaries, urging APC leaders to handle the issue with transparency and fairness.

Meanwhile, some APC factions continue to advocate for direct primaries and open contests to strengthen grassroots participation and uphold internal democracy, highlighting the delicate balance the party must strike between political strategy and party cohesion.

The resolution of this debate is expected to have significant implications for the APC’s unity and electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 elections, as the party tries to manage competing demands from lawmakers, governors, and newly defected members.

APC Governors, Lawmakers Clash Over Automatic Tickets Ahead of 2027 Elections