A political activist and former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has warned that recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the ruling party could destabilise Nigeria’s democracy and trigger a national crisis.
Frank raised the alarm while reacting to INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition from the leadership factions of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including the camp led by David Mark and that of Nafiu Bala Gombe, pending the outcome of a suit before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Frank described the development as a dangerous precedent, alleging that interference in opposition parties now poses a serious threat to democratic governance.
He warned that the unfolding situation, if not urgently addressed, could “set Nigeria on fire.”
“INEC and the APC-led government appear to be taking steps that threaten the very foundation of our democracy,” he said, alleging a pattern aimed at weakening opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Frank likened the trend to the era of Sani Abacha, when democratic institutions were suppressed, and expressed concern over what he described as a drift toward authoritarianism under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He further claimed that internal crises within major opposition parties—including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, Social Democratic Party (SDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—had been exacerbated by external interference, with the situation now spreading to the ADC.
The activist also alleged that the judiciary was being used to frustrate opposition parties through questionable rulings and called on the international community to respond.
“We are calling for sanctions, including visa restrictions against those undermining democratic processes. The 2027 election is critical, and democracy must be protected,” he said.
Frank further claimed that opposition figures were being targeted through arrests and legal actions, warning that Nigeria risks sliding into instability if the trend continues.
He urged civil society organisations, professional bodies, and traditional institutions—including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC)—to speak out in defence of democracy.
He also appealed to the international community, particularly the United States and its President, Donald Trump, to intervene in safeguarding democratic values in Nigeria.
“Nigeria is about to head into a crisis that may be difficult to contain if urgent steps are not taken,” Frank warned.
He, however, expressed confidence in Nigerians’ resilience, noting that citizens have historically resisted anti-democratic forces and would do so again.
