•Activist Timi Frank
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has warned that any attempt to deregister major opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), could plunge Nigeria into a political crisis and undermine the country’s democratic foundations.
The activist, in a statement issued today in Abuja, described the reported deregistration of the ADC and other political parties as a direct threat to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and alleged that the move was part of a broader plan to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He also called on the administration of Donald Trump and the international community to intervene and help safeguard democratic institutions and political pluralism in Nigeria.
According to Frank, reports indicated that the Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice Mohammed A. Danjuma, had earlier ordered Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to stay further proceedings in the matter pending the determination of an appeal scheduled for October 27, 2026.
The former APC spokesman, however, questioned the circumstances surrounding the delivery of the judgment, describing it as sudden and inconsistent with established judicial procedures.
He alleged that neither the parties involved nor their legal representatives were informed in advance that the judgment was ready for delivery, describing it as a “mystery judgment” allegedly designed to achieve a predetermined political outcome.
Frank further alleged that the reported move to deregister opposition parties formed part of a sustained effort to weaken alternative political platforms and consolidate power.
“This issue goes beyond the ADC or any individual politician. It concerns the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate, participate in politics and choose their leaders through competitive and credible elections,” he stated.
He claimed that opposition parties, including the ADC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party, had come under increasing pressure through actions allegedly aimed at creating divisions and weakening their structures.
The former APC spokesman also expressed concerns about what he described as growing public perceptions regarding the independence of the judiciary, alleging that recent developments had raised questions about institutional autonomy.
Frank argued that many Nigerians view the ADC as a political platform with broad national appeal that transcends ethnic, religious and regional considerations, warning that any attempt to cripple such a platform for political reasons would fail.
He further alleged that there was a growing belief among some Nigerians that certain political interests were determined to prevent particular contenders from participating fully in the next presidential election.
The former APC deputy spokesman warned that any attempt to transform Nigeria into a one-party state could have far-reaching implications for national unity and democratic governance.
“Nigeria is a country of over 200 million people. Any desperate attempt to turn the country into a one-party state could trigger unrest and a crisis that nobody can control,” he warned.
Frank called on the international community, civil society organisations, religious leaders, youth groups and professional bodies to remain vigilant and defend Nigeria’s democratic gains.
He specifically appealed to President Trump and other democratic governments to closely monitor political developments in Nigeria and take steps aimed at protecting the rule of law and preserving the country’s multiparty democratic system.
“The time has come for all lovers of democracy to rise in defence of the democratic gains Nigerians have fought hard to achieve. Silence in the face of these developments could have far-reaching consequences for the future of our country,” he said.
