2027 Elections: Timi Frank Urges Trump to Sanction Nigerian Officials Over Rigging

Former All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank, has appealed to United States President Donald Trump to intervene diplomatically in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, urging Washington to impose sanctions on individuals implicated in electoral malpractice.

Frank made the appeal in an open letter to Trump titled “No Mandate From Fraud: Election 2027,” in which he called for visa bans, asset freezes and financial restrictions against electoral officials, judicial officers and security personnel found culpable of manipulating the polls.

He urged the US government to adopt what he described as a “No Mandate From Fraud” policy, arguing that credible elections were essential for accountable leadership, economic development and national stability.

Frank also raised concerns about the composition of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that the concentration of people from President Bola Tinubu’s ethnic group in key positions could undermine public confidence in the electoral umpire.

“The current composition of INEC has raised concerns about alleged ethnic concentration in key positions. If the country proceeds to the 2027 general election under these circumstances, we fear that the process could be compromised from the outset,” he said.

However, Frank’s allegation was not accompanied by supporting data in the statement, and he did not identify the officials he was referring to.

The political activist urged the Trump administration to engage Tinubu and other Nigerian political leaders before the elections, insisting that diplomatic efforts should focus on preventing irregularities rather than responding after the polls.

“The Trump administration must act now to ensure electoral integrity in Nigeria. The time to act is before the elections, not after the damage has been done,” he said.

He also called for the deployment of a high-level US delegation to Nigeria and collaboration with European allies to encourage the country’s political leadership and electoral authorities to guarantee a credible electoral process.

Frank said sanctions should apply to individuals found to have manipulated election results, regardless of their political affiliation, official position or influence.

He proposed that the measures should extend to judicial officers who knowingly validate fraudulent results and security personnel accused of intimidating voters or facilitating electoral manipulation.

He specifically called for scrutiny of INEC’s chairman, national commissioners and other senior officials, as well as the Inspector-General of Police and senior personnel of the Department of State Services, the armed forces and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Frank also urged security agencies to remain politically neutral and protect voters regardless of their political affiliations.

“Security forces must be reminded that their duty is to the Nigerian Constitution and people, not to a political party,” he said.

Links Electoral Credibility to Migration

The former APC spokesman also linked electoral malpractice to Nigeria’s economic difficulties and the increasing number of citizens seeking opportunities abroad.

He argued that poor governance, insecurity and economic hardship were among the factors driving Nigerians to leave the country, urging Washington to complement its border enforcement measures with diplomatic efforts to address what he described as the root causes of migration.

“Nigerians are not leaving Nigeria because they do not love their country. They are leaving because decades of rigged elections have produced leaders who destroy the economy, loot resources, and create insecurity,” he said.

“Border enforcement alone cannot solve this. We must address the cause at the source.”

According to Frank, credible elections could produce more accountable governments capable of improving economic conditions, addressing insecurity and creating opportunities for Nigerians at home.

He added that improved governance could encourage Nigerians living abroad to return and contribute to national development.

Seeks Stronger US-Nigeria Cooperation

Frank described his proposal as consistent with Trump’s America First policy, arguing that a stable and democratically governed Nigeria would serve the interests of both countries.

He said credible leadership could strengthen bilateral cooperation in counterterrorism, energy development and efforts to address the influence of rival powers in Africa.

He also highlighted opportunities for American companies to contribute to Nigeria’s electricity sector through investment, technology and technical expertise.

Frank urged Washington to reconsider what he described as business as usual in its dealings with governments whose legitimacy was disputed over allegations of electoral malpractice.

“A clear US message now that America will not do business as usual with any government, INEC official, judge, or security chief produced by or protecting a rigged election will save American lives, money, and border resources,” he said.

He maintained that early diplomatic engagement could deter electoral malpractice and encourage Nigerian authorities to protect the integrity of the 2027 polls.

“Nigeria is blessed with everything to succeed except leadership. Help Nigerians choose their leaders freely in 2027, and you will cut off a major source of immigration at its root,” Frank said.

He urged the Trump administration to make electoral integrity a priority in its diplomatic relations with Nigeria ahead of the general elections.

Frank, who signed the statement as an Ambassador of the ULMWP for East Africa and the Middle East and Senior Adviser to the Global Friendship City Association, USA, did not indicate whether the US government had responded to his appeal.