By John Akubo, Abuja
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has raised the alarm over what he described as a coordinated plot involving the Presidency, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and elements within the judiciary to prevent the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, from participating in the 2027 general election.
Frank, in a statement issued on Monday, warned that any attempt to exclude the ADC from the ballot would constitute a direct attack on Nigeria’s democratic process and could trigger widespread political instability.
The former APC spokesman alleged that the ADC had become the main target of efforts aimed at weakening the opposition and consolidating a one-party political system ahead of the next presidential election.
According to him, intelligence available to him suggests that plans are being perfected to use legal and institutional mechanisms to disqualify the ADC from contesting the 2027 polls.
“The ADC has always been the main target, while the NDC is merely being used as a decoy. The ultimate objective is to ensure that the ADC and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, do not participate in the 2027 election at all costs,” Frank alleged.
He claimed that the information was supplied by a senior source within the Presidency who was concerned about the potential consequences such actions could have for Nigeria’s democratic credentials both at home and abroad.
Frank said Nigerians should pay close attention to unfolding political developments, alleging that fresh moves would soon emerge aimed at sidelining opposition parties and creating conditions for electoral manipulation.
He further accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of abandoning democratic principles and deploying state institutions against political opponents in a bid to retain power.
“I call on the international community, especially the United States Government, to intervene and ensure that Nigeria does not descend into crisis because of the desperation of those in power,” he said.
The political activist also cautioned INEC and members of the judiciary against becoming instruments of what he termed an anti-democratic agenda, warning that history would judge institutions and individuals involved in any attempt to undermine electoral competition.
Frank said those allegedly behind the plot were known and could eventually be exposed to the international community as actors working against democratic norms in Nigeria.
He called on opposition parties, civil society organisations, political leaders and other stakeholders to close ranks and defend the country’s democratic space.
According to him, the growing concerns over the future of multiparty democracy in Nigeria require a united response from all those committed to preserving democratic governance.
“This is the time for all opposition leaders and presidential candidates to come together in defence of democracy. If we fail to act now, we may all have to deal with the grave consequences of our silence and inaction,” he said.
Frank maintained that Nigeria’s democracy must not be endangered by political manoeuvres designed to eliminate opposition voices from the electoral process.
Efforts to obtain official reactions from the Presidency and INEC were unsuccessful as of press time.