…calls for sanctioned
By Juliet Ekwenugo
Abuja
Political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has condemned the recent elections in Tanzania, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast, describing them as “sham exercises” and “a disgrace to the African continent.”
Frank, in a statement on Thursday, said the polls were marred by manipulation, intimidation, and political violence, noting that they fell short of democratic standards and represented “a dangerous setback for Africa’s democratic journey.”
“These elections were not genuine contests but selections designed to perpetuate sit-tight leaders. It is a shame that in the 21st century, Africa is still battling with rigging, violence, and suppression of the people’s will,” he said.
The activist called on the United Nations (UN), the United States (US), and the European Union (EU) not to recognise the outcomes of such elections, stressing the need for decisive international intervention to safeguard democracy in Africa.
“If nothing is done, this systematic rigging will only breed civil unrest and encourage more coups across the continent,” he warned.
Frank, who currently serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, also urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to hold the leaders of the three countries accountable for electoral violence and loss of lives recorded during the polls.
He further called for targeted sanctions against African leaders who, he said, “have destroyed the democratic process through greed and corruption.”
According to him, many of Africa’s present leaders have abandoned the ideals of the continent’s founding fathers, such as Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Nelson Mandela, Thomas Sankara, and Patrice Lumumba.
“The Africa we see today is not the one our heroes fought for. The dream of unity, one currency, and one passport has been replaced by selfishness and deceit. With these corrupt and greedy leaders, the vision of our founding fathers cannot be achieved,” he said.
Frank also urged African youths to rise in defence of democracy and to resist oppression, describing those who have lost their lives defending their votes as “true heroes.”
He particularly drew attention to ongoing protests in Tanzania, saying the demonstrations reflect citizens’ anger over a “compromised electoral process.”
“The world must not look away. The people of Tanzania are aggrieved because they know the election was rigged even before results were announced,” he said.
Turning to Nigeria, Frank cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that Nigerians will no longer tolerate manipulation of their mandate.
“Nigeria’s 2027 election must not be business as usual. Any attempt to subvert the will of the people will be strongly resisted. Nigerians will no longer remain silent,” he declared.
