Political activist Timi Frank has issued a strong warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging them to implement crucial reforms to ensure the 2027 general elections are free, fair, and credible. Frank asserted that without these changes, Nigeria could face political instability and violence, similar to what has recently been witnessed in Nepal.
In a statement released in Abuja, Frank argued that a failure to reform Nigeria’s electoral and security institutions, and to introduce ethical leadership, could lead to a situation reminiscent of the ENDSARS protests of 2020. He drew a parallel to the recent political unrest in Nepal, where protests over corruption and a social media ban escalated into widespread violence.
The former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) called on international leaders, including US President Donald Trump, to pressure the Nigerian government, particularly INEC and the National Assembly, to prioritize electoral reforms.
Frank also advocated for the appointment of a new INEC chairman with a proven track record of integrity, as the tenure of the current chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, is nearing its end. Yakubu, who has served as INEC chairman since 2015, has previously stated that reforms will be made to the Electoral Act before the 2027 elections.
Furthermore, Frank called for an end to what he described as the “unbiased” role of security agencies in past elections. “Security agencies must be unbiased and stop their usual role in rigging elections for the ruling party,” he stated. “They must protect voters and prevent political violence. Failure to do so risks pushing Nigeria into a situation worse than Nepal’s recent unrest, given our challenges with poverty and tyranny.”
