Mark, Aregbesola’s Delisting: Don’t Destabilise Nigeria, Timi Frank Warns INEC, APC

A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the ruling APC of actions capable of destabilising Nigeria’s democracy, warning that recent developments involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could trigger a national crisis.

He also called on the United States government, particularly President Donald Trump, to intervene to safeguard democracy in Nigeria.

Frank, in a statement, was reacting to INEC’s decision to derecognise both the leadership of David Mark in the ADC and that of the party’s former Vice Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe—who claims to be the authentic Acting National Chairman—pending the determination of a suit filed by Gombe before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

He described the move as dangerous interference in opposition politics.

“INEC and the APC-led government appear to be taking steps that threaten the very foundation of our democracy,” he said, warning that the pattern of events across opposition parties suggests a coordinated attempt to weaken political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Frank said the trend mirrors developments under former Head of State, Sani Abacha.

“This pattern is reminiscent of the tactics employed during the era of General Sani Abacha,” he stated.

He also expressed concern over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s actions, alleging a drift towards authoritarianism.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has, through recent actions, raised concerns about 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 further alleged that crises within major opposition parties—including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, Social Democratic Party (SDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—were being influenced by external forces, warning that the situation is now spreading to the ADC.

He accused the judiciary of being used to frustrate opposition parties.

“The courts and the judiciary have been used to thwart democratic processes with questionable decisions,” he said, urging the international community to respond to what he described as violations of judicial integrity.

He also called for sanctions against electoral and judicial officials.

“We are calling for sanctions, including visa restrictions, against these persons… the 2027 election is important to Nigerians; democracy must thrive,” he said.

Frank alleged that opposition figures are being targeted through arrests and legal actions.

“They arrest opposition leaders unnecessarily, without charges, and frame them with allegations ranging from terrorism to corruption,” he claimed.

Warning of possible instability, he said: “Nigeria is about to head into anarchy and a crisis that might be difficult to curtail.”

He urged Nigerians and key institutions to defend democracy.

“I call on all well-meaning Nigerians, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and traditional rulers, to speak up and defend our democracy. Silence at this critical moment is not an option,” he said.

He also appealed to the international community, especially the United States, to act.

“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.

Frank maintained that Nigerians would resist any anti-democratic moves.

“Nigerians have resisted similar challenges in the past and will do so again. Freedom of association and the right to choose must be protected for all Nigerians. Enough is enough,” he said.