…Accuses Presidency of using judiciary against opposition, warns of political crisis ahead of 2027 elections

By Adeko UkpaFormer Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Thursday, accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of allegedly deploying the judiciary to undermine opposition parties, warning that such actions could plunge Nigeria into political crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Frank called on the United States Government and other members of the international community to intervene and prevail on the Nigerian government to respect democratic principles, judicial independence and the constitutional rights of opposition parties.

He was reacting to a recent court judgment which, according to him, raised serious concerns about alleged attempts to frustrate the political ambition of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and weaken the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a statement, Frank described the judgment as a desperate attempt by those in power to use the judiciary to contain the growing political influence of the opposition.

He alleged that the decision was part of a broader plot to prevent Atiku from participating effectively in the 2027 presidential election.

“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 alleged that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike was being used as an intermediary to influence judicial actors against opposition politicians.

He claimed that political meetings and consultations were held after Atiku’s recent political outing in Sokoto, which he said had generated considerable attention.

According to him, the alleged moves were intended to frustrate Atiku’s political ambition after attempts to prevent the Sokoto engagement from holding failed.

He said: “We were aware that immediately after the Sokoto outing, there were meetings aimed at thwarting Atiku’s ambition. Despite all efforts to prevent the Sokoto event from holding, it went ahead and has remained the talk of the town. Now, they appear to have resorted to this approach.”

Frank, who is also the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to rise to the responsibility of protecting judicial independence and ensuring that the courts were not perceived as instruments of the ruling party.

“The Chief Justice of Nigeria must wake up to her constitutional responsibilities as the guardian of judicial independence. The judiciary must not be perceived as an extension of the APC-led government.

“Such a perception will erode public confidence in our democratic institutions and could drive Nigeria towards anarchy,” he warned.

He expressed hope that the Court of Appeal would approach the matter differently, cautioning that the controversy surrounding the judgment could heighten political tension if not properly addressed.

Frank particularly appealed to the United States Government to call the Tinubu administration to order, while urging other international partners to closely monitor developments in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.

“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.

The former APC spokesman also accused the Tinubu administration of attempting to undermine political participation in the North by allegedly using judicial processes to weaken Atiku’s presidential ambition.

He insisted that the controversy should not be viewed as a personal battle involving Atiku alone, but as a broader question concerning the survival of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.

“If President Tinubu is genuinely popular, let him demonstrate it through free, fair and credible elections, conducted through the established mechanisms of INEC and not the judiciary.

“It is obvious that President Tinubu is afraid and does not want any contest. The only option left is to get Atiku out of his way through the courts,” Frank alleged.

He warned that any government official found culpable in actions aimed at undermining opposition participation would be held accountable.

“Let me make this clear: should anything go wrong, all government officials found responsible will be held accountable,” he declared.

Frank, however, urged opposition parties and their supporters not to be discouraged by the development, insisting that unity, perseverance and democratic participation remained essential to protecting the country’s political future.

He called on youths, civil society organisations, elder statesmen and former political leaders to unite in defence of judicial independence and democratic institutions.

He also cautioned political actors against celebrating the misfortunes of their opponents, arguing that a precedent established against one political leader could eventually affect others.

“No political camp should celebrate, because what happens to Atiku today could happen to another political leader tomorrow,” he said.

Frank maintained that Nigeria must not be allowed to descend into political instability because of disagreements over electoral competition.

“This must not be seen as an Atiku issue alone; it concerns the future of every Nigerian and the survival of our democracy.

“Let us unite as a country—our youths, civil society organisations, elder statesmen and former leaders—to defend democracy and prevent anarchy through the protection of judicial independence.
“Nigeria must not be pushed into chaos,” he added.

From Adeko Ukpa

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has warned President Bola Tinubu against alleged attempts to undermine opposition parties through state-sponsored protests, intimidation and misuse of security agencies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Frank spoke amid growing political tension following allegations by former Vice-President and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, that the Sokoto State Government and the Department of State Services (DSS) were frustrating the party’s planned campaign rally in the state.

Atiku, who addressed journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, alleged that the ADC had been denied access to public facilities and logistical support, while protesters were being mobilised to create disorder and provide grounds for imposing a curfew to stop the rally.

Reacting, Frank described the alleged mobilisation of protesters against opposition gatherings as a recurring strategy across the country.

He said: “At every opposition rally across the country, this has become their new protest strategy. They are also involving security agencies, particularly the DSS.”

Warning Tinubu against actions capable of undermining democratic institutions, Frank declared: “Tinubu must not truncate this democracy with his desperation. Despite their denial, the facts on ground have shown clearly that they have a sinister plot against the opposition, and Nigerians will legally resist such moves vehemently.”

He cautioned the Sokoto State Government and other state governments against allowing themselves to be used to frustrate opposition parties, stressing that all political parties must enjoy equal opportunities to organise rallies, mobilise supporters and campaign freely.

Frank also called on the United States Government and other members of the international community to closely monitor developments in Nigeria and take appropriate diplomatic steps to prevent political violence and protect democratic participation ahead of the 2027 elections.

He warned that public officials and security personnel involved in undermining the constitutional rights of opposition parties would be held accountable.

“All those involved, including the security agencies, will be held responsible,” he said.

The former APC spokesman urged Tinubu to ensure that federal institutions and security agencies remained politically neutral and were not deployed to intimidate political opponents or obstruct their lawful activities.

He insisted that opposition parties would not surrender their constitutional rights because of threats, intimidation or political pressure.

Frank, who is also the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, cautioned against actions capable of escalating political tensions into violence. He urged political actors to resist retaliatory attacks and resolve disagreements through lawful and democratic channels.

While insisting that attacks on opposition supporters and disruption of lawful political activities must attract appropriate legal consequences, he called on the President to guarantee a level playing field for all political parties.

He warned that Nigeria’s democracy must not degenerate into a system where only the ruling party enjoys the freedom to organise, campaign and mobilise supporters.

From Adeko Ukpa

Comrade Sanni Onogu, a former Chief Press Secretary to the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has been elected President-General of the Auchi Polytechnic Alumni Association (APAA).

The election took place during the association’s 18th Biennial Convention and Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Auchi, Edo State, on October 24, 2026.

Onogu, in his acceptance speech pledged ₦500,000 as a scholarship grant for 10 indigent students of the institution as part of efforts to promote access to education and support academic excellence.

He said his administration would prioritise unity among alumni, members’ welfare and professional networking, as well as sustained contributions to the development of their alma mater.

The scholarship pledge, he explained, would strengthen the association’s corporate social responsibility efforts and provide support for students facing financial difficulties.

Onogu said a committee would be established to develop the modalities for the award after consultations with the Board of Trustees (BoT), the National Executive Committee and other relevant stakeholders.

The initiative is part of a broader agenda by the new APAA leadership to mobilise alumni resources and expertise to improve students’ welfare and support the institution’s academic and infrastructural development.

Scholarship to Support Brilliant, Indigent Students

Explaining the importance of giving back to the institution, Onogu said Auchi Polytechnic had equipped its graduates with knowledge, technical skills and values that had helped them build careers and contribute to society.

He said the time had come for alumni to reciprocate by investing in the institution and supporting students who might otherwise struggle to complete their education.

“This institution did not just give us certificates; it gave us character. It gave us skills that feed our families. It gave us friends who became brothers and sisters. It gave us a name that opens doors. Today, it is time for us to give back,” he said.

The APAA president said the association would work with the institution’s management to identify projects requiring alumni intervention, including hostel renovation, laboratory equipment and scholarships for disadvantaged students.

He called on members across Nigeria and the diaspora to contribute their resources, professional expertise and networks to the development of the polytechnic.

“We cannot be proud alumni of a struggling institution. We will partner with the Rector and Management not to complain, but to contribute,” he said.

The proposed scholarship scheme is expected to form part of the association’s wider effort to support students and strengthen its relationship with the institution.

Three-Pillar Agenda for Alumni Development

Onogu identified unity, members’ welfare and support for the alma mater as the three pillars of his administration.

On unity, he called for an end to divisions based on graduation year, academic department and other differences, insisting that all graduates shared a common identity as products of Auchi Polytechnic.

He pledged to build an inclusive association that would accommodate National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) holders, older and younger graduates, as well as members living in Nigeria and abroad.

“For too long, we have allowed set, department, and graduation year to divide us. The labour market does not ask what year you graduated. The world knows only one identity: Auchi Polytechnic,” he said.

He added that his administration would encourage greater participation by alumni chapters and ensure that members had opportunities to contribute to the association’s decisions and programmes.

According to him, unity would enable the association to mobilise its collective resources more effectively and increase its capacity to support the institution and its graduates.

Plans Job Hub, Emergency Welfare Scheme

On members’ welfare, Onogu promised to establish a functional database of alumni and develop a platform through which members could access job vacancies, business opportunities and professional connections.

He also announced plans for an emergency welfare scheme to assist members experiencing hardship and a mentorship programme through which established professionals would guide younger graduates.

He said an alumni association should provide practical support to its members rather than serve merely as a platform for reunions and social engagements.

“An alumni association that cannot help its members has lost its purpose,” he said.

The proposed job and business opportunity hub is intended to strengthen professional networking among graduates, while the mentorship programme would enable experienced alumni to share industry knowledge, career guidance and entrepreneurial experience with younger members.

Onogu expressed confidence that a stronger alumni network would help graduates navigate employment challenges and identify opportunities for career advancement and business development.

“No Auchi Polytechnic graduate should suffer alone when thousands of us can stand together,” he said.

Promises Transparency, Accountability

The new president-general also pledged to run an open and accountable administration, promising that the association’s finances and decision-making processes would be transparent.

He said his executive would consult widely before taking major decisions and encourage members to contribute ideas towards the association’s development.

“My promise to you is simple: I will lead with transparency, accountability, and an open-door policy. This Executive will not operate as a covert body. Our finances will be open, our decisions will be consultative, and our doors will be open to every idea that moves us forward,” he said.

Onogu acknowledged the scale of the responsibilities ahead but expressed confidence in the support of the executive team, the Board of Trustees, chapter leaders and other members of the association.

He also thanked alumni who voted for him and those who contested the election, describing them as partners whose ideas and experience would be valuable to the new administration.

He said the election should serve as an opportunity to strengthen the association rather than deepen divisions among members.

“This victory belongs to every Auchi Polytechnic graduate, from Benin to London, from Lagos to Canada,” he said.

New Executive Takes Office

Onogu emerged as President-General during the association’s 18th Biennial Convention and AGM and was sworn in alongside other members of the National Executive Officers (NEO) for a two-year tenure.

Other officers elected and sworn in include Peter Okoeguale, First Vice President-General; Alli Raheem Sengy, Second Vice President-General; Osa Nosa-Ordia, Secretary-General; Florence Akpoedafe, Treasurer; and Evaristus Monye, Financial Secretary.

Others are Charles Ahonsi, Council Representative; Daniel Tunde Igiezemeh, Welfare Secretary; Victoria Titilope Evbotokhai, Public Relations Officer; Perpetual Azigere, Legal Officer; Ernest Eboigbe, Assistant Secretary-General; and Evelyn Nwoko, Assistant Welfare Secretary.

The executive also includes Godwin Ehis Okonigene, Eribo Victor, Felix Ikekua, Orahemo Evawere and AbelKay Omolu as Ex-Officio members.

Ikharo Ahmed was elected Endowment Officer, while Azizi Achekuogene will serve as the Board of Trustees Liaison Officer.

The new leadership is expected to work with the association’s trustees, alumni chapters and the management of Auchi Polytechnic to implement its programmes during the two-year tenure.