Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has warned President Bola Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against any attempt to manipulate the 2027 general election. Frank made the remarks in a statement in Abuja, expressing concern over allegations of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated names and photographs in the national voter register. He described these issues as requiring urgent investigation.
Frank urged INEC to verify questionable entries in the voter register, establish the facts, and explain transparently how the register was compiled. He warned that any attempt to manipulate the election could have serious consequences for national stability. According to Frank, Nigerians will not accept an electoral outcome that fails to reflect their choices. He emphasized that the discovery of AI-generated voters' register is a clear indication of a rigging plot.
Frank cautioned that if the 2027 election is rigged, Nigerians will have no choice but to take their destiny into their own hands. He compared potential consequences in Nigeria to events in France and other European countries, suggesting that the situation could escalate further in Nigeria. Frank also warned that aggrieved candidates will not simply challenge disputed results in court, as they may perceive the judiciary as a remote-controlled institution.
The former APC spokesman alleged that INEC failed to comply with the requirement to publish the voter register not later than 90 days before the general election, citing Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, as amended. He called on the commission to clarify its compliance with the law and take all necessary steps to guarantee the credibility of the register. Frank emphasized that INEC must demonstrate its independence and address legitimate concerns about the voter register.
Frank urged the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and other international partners to engage the Nigerian government and INEC ahead of the election to help safeguard a free, fair, and credible process. He particularly called on the United States to draw on its diplomatic engagement with Nigeria during the 2015 general election to encourage credible polls in 2027.
Frank stressed that international partners must take the allegations seriously, engage relevant Nigerian authorities, and encourage transparency in voter registration and election preparations. He warned that undermining the electorate's mandate could deepen political tensions and erode confidence in Nigeria's democratic institutions. Frank emphasized that INEC must ensure that every eligible Nigerian's vote counts.
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East called on Tinubu and INEC to ensure that the 2027 general election is conducted transparently and that its outcome reflects the genuine will of Nigerians. Frank's warning comes as concerns about electoral integrity and credibility continue to grow ahead of the 2027 general election.
Key points
- Timi Frank warns against 2027 election rigging and urges INEC to verify the voter register.
- Frank calls on international partners to intervene and help safeguard a free, fair, and credible electoral process.
- The former APC spokesman emphasizes that INEC must demonstrate its independence and ensure that every eligible Nigerian's vote counts.
