Timi Frank, a former Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has accused President Bola Tinubu of using the judiciary to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Frank made the allegation in a statement issued on Thursday.
His reaction followed a Federal High Court judgment on Thursday that removed David Mark’s leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
In response to the ruling, Frank urged the United States Government and other members of the international community to intervene by calling on the Nigerian government to uphold democratic principles, judicial independence and the constitutional rights of opposition parties.
“The recent court judgment has raised serious concerns about what appears to be a desperate act by the Presidency—an act reminiscent of a dying man clutching at straws.
“It is a desperate act from the Presidency. I must warn that the judiciary must stay clear of the 2027 elections. Its independence and impartiality are fundamental to the survival of our democracy,” he said.
Frank further called on the international community, particularly the United States, to closely monitor political developments in Nigeria, warning that the alleged use of the judiciary against opposition parties could undermine democratic institutions.
“The international community, particularly the United States, must pay close attention to developments in Nigeria. The alleged weaponisation of the judiciary against the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections poses a grave threat to our democracy and could plunge Africa’s largest country into a serious political crisis,” he said.