From Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

Political activist, Comrade Timi Frank, has called on the United States government to investigate and sanction the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over alleged actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy.

Frank’s demand followed a viral video in which Gbajabiamila was quoted as telling Hon Leke Abejide, during his wife’s 50th birthday that: “Don’t come to APC. Stay in ADC and scatter them. We like what you’re doing… stay in ADC and win your election… bring Bala Gombe, and we’ll support him. Good luck in court.”

Describing the remarks as “reckless” and dangerous, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said they point to a deliberate attempt to weaken opposition parties and erode democratic institutions.

“Your statement, as Chief of Staff, raises serious concerns about the determination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s regime to truncate democracy,” he said, adding that “inference can be made that there is an infringement on the independence of the judiciary.”

He warned that any suggestion that courts could be influenced “undermines public confidence in democratic institutions,” citing references to political actors, including Leke Abejide, as requiring clarification to avoid “dangerous interpretations.”

Frank argued that Gbajabiamila’s comments effectively confirm the Presidency’s involvement in crises rocking opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“When a Chief of Staff speaks, it reflects the body language of the President. This points to a deliberate attempt to weaken opposition and consolidate power,” he said.

He further claimed that state influence, including the use of the judiciary, is being deployed against opposition parties. “The audacity of the statement suggests nothing will happen even if opposition parties are destabilised. That is dangerous,” he added.

Frank described Gbajabiamila as “an alter ego of the President” who had “displayed the arrogance of power,” insisting that public office holders must uphold restraint, respect for the rule of law and constitutional order.

He also urged U.S. authorities to probe Gbajabiamila’s activities and financial dealings.

“As an American citizen, he should be held accountable. We want to know if he is meeting his tax obligations in line with his earnings in Nigeria,” Frank said, describing him as “a bad ambassador of the United States.”

“We want to be sure that all earnings, including those from official and business engagements in Nigeria, are properly declared and taxed,” he added.

On accountability, Frank insisted resignation was the only honourable option.

“We call for your resignation with immediate effect. If such a statement were made in the United States, the official involved would have resigned forthwith,” he said.

He disclosed plans to petition the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, stressing that “those entrusted with leadership must reflect humility, constitutional awareness and respect for separation of powers.”

“Power is transient, but institutions must endure. Any comment that diminishes their independence must be corrected,” he added.

The call comes amid rising concerns over the stability of Nigeria’s multiparty system and allegations of increasing pressure on opposition parties.

From Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

The pursuit of peaceful coexistence, unity, and continuous industrial development of Nasarawa state, would be given top priority by a former Executive Vice Chairman Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Professor Mohammad Sani Haruna, if voted as governor, it was learnt yesterday.

Professor Haruna disclosed this in Keffi, during a symposium organised in his honour.

He declared that his decision to seek the governorship of Nasarawa State is driven by a desire to deploy his experience in technology, public service and development planning to transform the state’s economy.

L-R: Former Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna with Former Clerk to the National Assembly/Guest Speaker, Dr. Salisu Abubakar Maikasuwa, during the 2026 Western Zone Prof. Haruna’s Symposium organised by Nasarawa State Concerned Democrats held at Keffi, yesterday

Prof. Haruna emphasised that peace and unity would remain the foundation of his administration if elected, noting that Nasarawa’s diversity must be harnessed as a strength rather than a source of division.

“Peace and harmonious coexistence are fundamental. Without peace, nothing meaningful can be achieved,” he said.
“God created us in different tribes and languages so we can understand and benefit from one another. The best among us is the one who cares for humanity.”

He stressed that the state must move away from dependence on raw materials and embrace industrialisation.

“What Nasarawa needs is a manufacturing and industrial economy that can sustain development,” he said.
“We must harness our resources and turn them into useful products. You cannot develop by exporting raw materials and importing finished goods.”

The governorship aspirant pledged to sustain ongoing infrastructure projects being championed by Governor Abdullahi Sule, while expanding industries to create jobs, empower youths and drive economic growth.

Haruna said his aspiration is not about personal ambition but a commitment to service and sustainable development.

“It is important to ask why I even ventured into politics and aspire to lead Nasarawa State, if God makes it possible by His grace,” he said.
“It is not about seeking a name. If I want a name, I will aim for a Nobel Prize. This is about service.”

“My agenda is to ensure sustainability of the current developmental trajectory, expand infrastructure, and promote industries for employment generation, youth empowerment and skills development using science, technology and innovation,” he added.

Haruna highlighted his extensive career spanning technical, managerial and leadership roles, including his tenure at NASENI, where he said he worked with successive administrations and drove innovation.

“I started as a technician, a craftsman, an engineer, and rose through the ranks to leadership,” he said.
“I have worked across Nigeria, across Africa and globally. I have seen what works and what does not.”

He recalled how he successfully secured support from state governors for NASENI’s funding framework, describing it as evidence of his ability to build consensus.

“I went round the states and presented what they stand to gain, and they agreed. Development requires engagement and understanding,” he added.

The professor disclosed that he has already developed a comprehensive blueprint for Nasarawa State, based on detailed assessments across sectors.

“We have taken stock of education, health, agriculture, infrastructure—everything,” he said.
“If there are 30 schools in a local government, we know the condition of each—those that need classrooms, those without water, those without facilities.”

He explained that the approach would eliminate guesswork in governance.

“Development must not be based on assumptions. It must be based on needs assessment. You cannot claim to improve education by building classrooms where they are not needed,” he said.

Haruna also pledged to build on existing achievements in the state, particularly in infrastructure and economic development.

“The ongoing infrastructural development in Nasarawa State is something we must sustain,” he said.
“Even if it is not me, whoever becomes governor must continue on that path.”

Haruna urged party stakeholders and residents of the state to support his aspiration, promising inclusive governance and measurable progress.

“If you give me the opportunity, I will serve with commitment and ensure that Nasarawa achieves sustainable development,” he said.
“If you don’t, I will still be satisfied that I offered my service.”

Stakeholders, during the 2026 Western Zone Prof. Haruna’s Symposium organised by Nasarawa State Concerned Democrats held at Keffi, yesterdayEarlier, the guest speaker at the symposium, Dr. Abubakar Salisu Maikasuwa delivered a lecture on democracy, governance and leadership, stressing that credible elections and accountable leadership are the bedrock of development.

“Democracy is government of the people, by the people and for the people, but it goes beyond that,” he said.
“It includes rule of law, protection of human rights, and effective management of public resources.”

He added that good governance requires participation, accountability and strategic vision.

“You cannot achieve democracy merely by establishing institutions like the legislature, executive and judiciary. The way they function determines the outcome,” he noted.

Maikasuwa emphasised the role of leadership in shaping society.

“Leadership is a decisive factor. Societies need competent, honest, visionary and empathetic leaders,” he said, warning against “selfish, nepotistic and arrogant leadership.”

He also linked development to citizens’ welfare.

“Sustainable development must translate into real benefits—food, shelter, healthcare, education, employment and basic services,” he said.

Earlier, one of the organisers of the Engr. Prof Mohammad Sani Haruna
Western Zone
Symposium 2026 with the
theme: “Creating Political Awareness for sustainable Development” Hon. Kasim T. Kasim, said the symposium was convened by supporters and well-wishers to provide a platform for interaction between the aspirant and stakeholders.

“This is an opportunity for party leaders, members and supporters to engage directly, ask questions and understand the vision,” he said on behalf of the Nasarawa State Concerned Democrats that organised the event.

He noted that participants were drawn from across five local government areas in Nasarawa West Senatorial Zone, reflecting broad-based interest in the political future of the state.

The symposium ended with calls for unity among party members and sustained engagement as political activities gather momentum ahead of upcoming elections.

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.