From Adeko Ukpa

A former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has called on the United States and the international community to impose sanctions on key officials of the Federal Government, alleging actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy.

Frank, in a strongly worded statement, urged the U.S. government to impose visa restrictions, economic sanctions and asset freezes on top government functionaries, including officials he accused of aiding anti-democratic practices.

He alleged that the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was deploying state institutions to weaken opposition parties ahead of future elections.

According to him, “the aim and goal is to ensure that no political party fields a candidate strong enough to contest with the President,” warning that such actions could plunge the country into crisis if not urgently addressed.

Frank specifically accused institutions such as the judiciary and legislature of being used to frustrate opposition forces, noting that democracy should remain a contest of ideas rather than what he described as a “monarchical system.”

He called on the United States, the United Nations and other global actors to intervene before the situation deteriorates.

“The international community must not wait until Nigeria descends into crisis or conflict before taking action,” he said, adding that any instability in Nigeria, given its population of over 200 million people, could trigger a massive refugee crisis across regions.

Frank also accused the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Yemi Cardoso of allegedly funding activities that undermine democratic processes, calling for sanctions against the bank’s leadership if such actions are established.

On the electoral body, he described the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission as “biased and unfit,” alleging that the commission was being positioned to favour certain political interests.

He warned that key actors within the administration, including electoral officials, should be held accountable for any breakdown of law and order arising from the current political climate.

Frank further claimed he was ready to provide detailed information to foreign governments on assets owned by Nigerian public officials in jurisdictions such as the United States, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates to facilitate targeted sanctions.

Describing his intervention as a “crisis warning,” Frank said urgent steps must be taken to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy and prevent what he termed a drift towards authoritarianism.

He added that he would avail the U.S. Government and leaders of the international community list of key officials of the Tinubu’s administration colluding to truncate democratic rule in Nigeria for blacklisting.

He called on the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria not only to shut down temporarily but to permanently deny visas to all anti-democracy forces and institutions in the Tinubu’s regime.

By Adeko Ukpa

Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State was abuzz as supporters of Engr. Prof. M.S. Haruna, OFR, mni (Sarkin Sharifai), held a “one-million-man” mega rally to endorse his 2027 governorship aspirations.

Haruna was a former Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

The metropolitan city was transformed by a sea of supporters—including youths, women, and people living with disabilities—all adorned in branded T-shirts and caps.

According to the clips of the rally released yesterday, participants carried placards with various inscriptions expressing their unwavering support for the Professor’s bid to lead the state.

The energy was felt across every street in Lafia, which was decorated with billboards and posters signaling a broad acceptance of his candidacy.

The event also drew seasoned grassroots politicians from across the Southern Zone, who formally pledged their loyalty to his cause.

The rally culminated at Dunama Primary School, where speakers highlighted the achievements and benefits the state and its youth have gained through the aspirant’s previous contributions.

Supporters at the venue described him as the most qualified candidate to succeed Governor Abdullahi Sule in 2027.

…Set up interim leadership, back INEC stance, warn of 2027 risks

By Adeko Ukpa

The crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Tuesday as the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), backed by its State Chairmen Forum, announced a takeover of the party’s administration and rejected rival factions allegedly led by former Senate President David Mark and Nafiu Bala.

At a joint press conference in Abuja, NEC members and about 25 state chairmen said the move was necessary to “rescue” the party from collapse, restore internal order, and safeguard its participation in the 2027 general elections.

NEC, State Chairmen Move to “Rescue” Party

Speaking on behalf of the group, Abia State Chairman, Don Norman Obinna, said the intervention was not factional but constitutional, insisting they remain the only legitimate authority within the party.

“We are here to move the party forward, not as a faction but as elected NEC members,” he said.

The NEC warned that failure to act decisively could worsen internal divisions and ultimately jeopardise the party’s ability to field candidates in future elections.

Interim Leadership Announced

As part of immediate measures, the party leaders unveiled a 20-member interim committee to run its affairs for two to three weeks pending the conduct of a national convention.

Kogi State Chairman, Kingsley Temitope Ogah, was named interim chairman, while Edo State Chairman, Kennedy Odion, will serve as secretary.

Other members include Muhammad Jidda (deputy chairman), Kabiru Hussaini (assistant secretary), Charles Omidji (national organising secretary), Johnny Derek (deputy organising secretary), Stella Chukwuma (treasurer), Obinna (publicity secretary), and Samuel Gyang (financial secretary).

The committee is expected to oversee day-to-day operations and prepare the ground for the emergence of a new National Working Committee (NWC).

Rejection of Mark, Bala Factions

The NEC and state chairmen firmly rejected the leadership claims of the David Mark and Nafiu Bala camps, accusing them of attempting to hijack the party.

“We disassociate the ADC from David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, Bolaji Abdullahi, Prof Osunbor and all members of the so-called coalition,” Obinna said.

He further dismissed Bala’s claims to party leadership, stating that he never held the position of deputy national chairman.

The group also declared that the ADC “is not for sale” and accused the rival bloc of pursuing a power grab at the expense of the party’s founding members.

Backing INEC, Court Processes

The NEC threw its weight behind the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), commending its decision to withdraw recognition from the rival factions following an appellate court ruling.

“We are in total support of INEC’s position and commend them for doing what is right,” Obinna said.

INEC had earlier announced it would refrain from engaging with the Mark-led leadership and Bala faction, citing a March 12 judgement of the Court of Appeal and a pending case before the Federal High Court.

The party leaders also confirmed that some state chairmen had approached the courts for constitutional interpretation on which organ has the authority to conduct congresses.

Congresses, Conventions Under Scrutiny

The NEC distanced itself from ongoing congresses allegedly conducted by rival groups, declaring them invalid.

Ogah argued that the processes violated the party’s constitution, noting that no properly convened NEC meeting had been held to approve such exercises.

“You cannot conduct congresses while tenures are still running. The process requires dissolution of existing executives, which has not happened,” he said.

He added that several state chairmen had formally dissociated themselves from the exercises.

Root of the Crisis

The NEC traced the origin of the dispute to August 2022 when the tenure of former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, expired.

According to the committee, a Federal High Court ruling in December 2022 affirmed the expiration of his tenure and nullified actions taken thereafter.

“His refusal to step down led to litigations and rulings that his tenure had indeed expired,” Obinna said.

They further noted that the party’s Board of Trustees is currently inactive following multiple resignations, leaving administrative responsibility with elected NEC members.

2027 Elections at Stake

The party leaders warned that continued instability could have serious electoral consequences.

“If we don’t act now, we may not be able to field candidates. Any political party without representation risks being displaced,” Obinna said.

They stressed that the interim arrangement and planned convention are aimed at restoring the party’s electoral viability and relevance.

Kachikwu’s Membership Affirmed

The NEC also defended the status of the party’s former presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, describing his purported expulsion by the rival faction as invalid.

“He remains a committed and bonafide member of the ADC,” Obinna stated.

Efforts at Reconciliation Failed

The group said attempts were made to resolve the crisis through dialogue before resorting to legal action.

“We engaged widely and sought reconciliation, but when that failed, we approached the courts for clarity,” Obinna said, denying allegations of external sponsorship.

No Immediate Reaction from Rival Camps

Efforts to reach key figures in the rival camps, including the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, former National Vice Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, and former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, were unsuccessful as their phone lines could not be reached as of press time.

With the NEC and state chairmen now firmly in control, attention is expected to shift to the proposed national convention, which may ultimately determine the legitimate leadership of the ADC ahead of the 2027 elections.