BY NONYELUM JULIET
Abuja
Comrade Timi Frank, a political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, and security agencies against actions that could trigger unrest similar to the recent protests in Nepal.
Frank, in a statement issued Sunday in Abuja, urged the institutions to uphold the rule of law and act impartially as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. He also cautioned the ruling APC to desist from allegedly attacking, intimidating, and harassing opposition leaders.
The activist cited recent incidents involving opposition figures, including former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami in Kebbi, and Labour Party’s Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour in Lagos, who were reportedly attacked.
While commending INEC for recognising the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Frank said the move was a bold step toward inclusiveness and credibility. He however stressed that such gestures must be sustained to restore public confidence in the commission.
“This bold and positive action should not stand alone. As the nation looks ahead to the 2027 general elections, INEC must replicate this same spirit of independence and courage in the overall conduct of the polls,” he said.
Frank, who also serves as Ambassador of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) to East Africa and the Middle East, maintained that Nigerians remain skeptical of INEC’s neutrality following alleged irregularities in the 2023 elections.
He accused the commission of partisanship during recent by-elections, describing the process as “deliberately compromised,” and urged the National Assembly to prioritise constitutional and electoral reforms, including electronic transmission of results.
He further demanded the appointment of a new INEC chairman with proven integrity as the tenure of the current chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, nears expiration.
On security, Frank cautioned agencies against being used to rig elections for the ruling party, stressing that their role is to protect voters and prevent violence. Failure to act impartially, he warned, could plunge Nigeria into deeper crisis.
“The security agencies must stop their usual role in rigging elections. They must protect voters and prevent political violence. Failure to do so risks pushing Nigeria into a situation worse than Nepal’s recent unrest, given our challenges with poverty and tyranny,” he stated.
He also called on the judiciary to remain impartial, warning judges against compromising electoral justice. According to him, Nigerians will continue to scrutinise judgments that emerge from the courts, which remain the final arbiter of electoral disputes.
Frank concluded by urging the international community, particularly former U.S. President Donald Trump and other world leaders, to mount pressure on Nigeria’s government and INEC to ensure reforms ahead of 2027. He also canvassed for sanctions on any judges, justices, or electoral officials found to have undermined the credibility of the process.
