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By Tracy Moses
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to embark on urgent reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections to guarantee free, fair, and credible polls.
Frank stressed that INEC, the judiciary, security agencies, and other democratic institutions must uphold their constitutional duties, safeguard the rule of law, and prevent unrest similar to the protests recently witnessed in Nepal.
In a statement signed by the activist and United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, Frank cautioned the ruling APC against the intimidation, harassment, and attacks on opposition leaders, citing recent incidents involving Mallam Nasir El-Rufai in Kaduna, former AGF Abubakar Malami in Kebbi, and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour in Lagos.
He applauded INEC’s recognition of the David Mark-led African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership, describing it as a step in the right direction for inclusivity and credibility in Nigeria’s political space.
“This courageous decision must not be a one-off. As the nation prepares for 2027, INEC must consistently demonstrate independence and fairness throughout the entire electoral process,” Frank said.
According to him, with ADC’s leadership now recognised, Nigerians should support the party as a force for national transformation while preparing to vote and defend their mandate in 2027.
Frank, however, warned that skepticism about INEC’s neutrality still persists due to irregularities in the 2023 elections, which many believe were manipulated in favour of the ruling APC. He said he would always commend the Commission when it acts impartially, but would also hold it accountable whenever it falls short of its mandate, citing alleged lapses during recent by-elections.
“Democracy can only thrive when arbiters remain neutral, courageous, and consistent in the face of political pressure. Nigeria’s democratic survival and development depend on bold decisions like this,” he added.
He called on INEC to work with the National Assembly to push constitutional and electoral reforms, particularly electronic transmission of results, and also to cleanse its ranks of partisan officials with ties to the APC. Frank further advocated the appointment of a new INEC chairman with proven integrity as the tenure of Mahmood Yakubu winds down.
On the role of security agencies, Frank demanded impartiality and professionalism, warning against their usual involvement in election manipulation for the ruling party. “Their duty is to protect voters and secure the process, not to aid political violence. Failure to do so may plunge Nigeria into unrest worse than Nepal’s, especially given existing poverty and oppression,” he warned.
He equally urged Nigerians to register to vote and actively defend their mandate, stressing that voter apathy stems from widespread doubts about INEC’s impartiality.
Turning to the judiciary, Frank challenged judges to dispense justice without fear or favour, reminding them that Nigerians will continue to scrutinise their conduct since most electoral disputes end up before them. “Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done. We will expose and hold accountable any judicial officer compromised by partisan influence,” he declared.
Frank concluded by warning that unless urgent reforms are undertaken, Nigeria risks political instability and violent uprisings comparable to ENDSARS and the recent Nepal protests. He called on former U.S. President Donald Trump and the international community to mount pressure on the Nigerian government, particularly INEC and the National Assembly, to prioritise electoral reforms.
He also appealed for tougher sanctions on judges, justices, and INEC officials found complicit in manipulating elections, noting: “We stand with Donald Trump’s position on entrenching genuine democracy across Africa.”