Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has warned President Bola Tinubu against attempts to undermine opposition parties and truncate democracy in Nigeria. Frank expressed concern over growing political tension following the alleged disruption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign activities in Sokoto State. He alleged that the use of sponsored protesters and security operatives against opposition parties could threaten Nigeria’s democratic process.
Frank's warning comes on the heels of allegations by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate, that the Sokoto State Government and the Department of State Services (DSS) were working to frustrate the party’s planned campaign rally in the state. Atiku alleged that the ADC had been denied access to public facilities and logistical support, while protesters were being mobilised to create disorder and provide grounds for imposing a curfew to stop the rally.
Reacting to the allegations, Frank said the mobilisation of protesters to disrupt opposition gatherings was becoming a recurring strategy across the country. He alleged that security agencies, particularly the DSS, were involved in the plot. Frank warned President Tinubu against actions capable of undermining democratic institutions and narrowing the political space for opposition parties.
Frank cautioned the Sokoto State Government and other state governments against allowing themselves to be used to frustrate opposition parties during the electioneering period. According to him, state governments have a responsibility to protect democratic participation and ensure that all political parties enjoy equal opportunities to organise rallies, mobilise supporters and campaign within their jurisdictions.
Frank also called on the United States Government and other members of the international community to closely monitor developments in Nigeria and take appropriate diplomatic steps to prevent political violence and protect democratic participation ahead of the 2027 elections. He warned that public officials and security personnel found to have participated in actions aimed at undermining the constitutional rights of opposition parties would be held accountable.
The DSS has reportedly ordered an investigation into Atiku’s allegation that its officials were involved in recruiting protesters to disrupt the ADC rally. Frank urged Tinubu to ensure that federal institutions and security agencies remained politically neutral and were not deployed to intimidate political opponents or obstruct their lawful activities.
Frank stressed that opposition parties must be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights without provocation or obstruction, adding that any attack on their supporters or disruption of lawful political activities should attract appropriate legal consequences. He urged political actors to resist the temptation of retaliatory violence, insisting that disagreements should be addressed through lawful and democratic channels.
Key points
- Timi Frank warns President Tinubu against truncating democracy in Nigeria by undermining opposition parties.
- The warning comes amid allegations of state-sponsored protests and intimidation of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- Frank calls on the international community to monitor developments in Nigeria and take diplomatic steps to prevent political violence.
