The former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission for withdrawing recognition of the African Democratic Congress leadership led by David Mark. INEC's National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, confirmed the decision, citing a court order that required maintaining the status quo while a legal challenge over Mark's leadership proceeds. The commission derecognised Mark as ADC national chairman, National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, and others.
Frank, in a statement released on Thursday in Abuja, described the move as a threat to democratic processes. He argued that the situation recalled tactics from the Abacha era and warned that such actions could undermine Nigeria's electoral credibility. Frank also accused the judiciary of issuing frivolous decisions that disrupt democratic stability, calling for sanctions against those involved. He urged key institutions, including the Nigeria Bar Association and labour unions, to defend democratic values ahead of the 2027 elections.
Frank's comparison to Abacha-era tactics isn't just rhetorical—it's a direct challenge to INEC's neutrality. By framing this as a judicial overreach, he exposes a dangerous pattern where courts become tools for political interference rather than arbiters of fairness. If this goes unchecked, it risks normalising election-related litigation as a weapon, not a recourse. The real question is whether Nigeria's democratic institutions will tolerate such manipulation or finally push back.
