Timi Frank Raises Alarm Over Alleged Plot to Deregister ADC, Warns of Threat to Democracy

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has warned that any attempt to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition political parties could plunge Nigeria into a political crisis and undermine the country’s democratic foundations.

Frank made the remarks in a statement issued on Tuesday, expressing concern over reports of a court judgment allegedly ordering the deregistration of the ADC and other political parties.

According to him, the reported development represents a serious threat to Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system and could be part of a broader effort to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former APC spokesman urged the international community, including the administration of Donald Trump, to closely monitor political developments in Nigeria and support efforts aimed at preserving democratic institutions.

Frank alleged that an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal, reportedly presided over by Justice Mohammed A. Danjuma, had directed Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court to stay further proceedings in the matter pending the determination of an appeal scheduled for October 27, 2026.

He questioned the circumstances surrounding the delivery of the judgment, claiming that neither the parties involved nor their legal representatives were notified in advance.

“The judgment came suddenly without prior notice to the parties involved,” Frank alleged, describing the ruling as suspicious and inconsistent with established judicial procedures.

The political activist further claimed that the alleged move to deregister opposition parties formed part of a wider campaign to weaken alternative political platforms ahead of future elections.

“It must be noted that any attempt by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and those working with him to deregister political parties, particularly major opposition parties such as the ADC, will give rise to a crisis that may be difficult to contain,” he said.

Frank argued that the issue extends beyond partisan interests and touches on the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate, participate in politics, and elect leaders through credible elections.

He also expressed concerns about what he described as growing public perceptions regarding the independence of the judiciary, alleging undue influence by elements within the executive arm of government.

In addition, Frank claimed that opposition parties, including the ADC, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party, have faced sustained efforts aimed at weakening their structures and influence.

According to him, many Nigerians view the ADC as a platform capable of attracting support across ethnic, religious, and regional divides, warning that any politically motivated attempt to undermine such a platform could have serious consequences.

Frank cautioned against efforts that could shrink Nigeria’s democratic space, stressing that transforming the country into a one-party state would pose significant risks to national stability and democratic governance.

He called on civil society groups, religious leaders, professional associations, youth organizations, and democratic institutions to remain vigilant in defending the country’s democratic gains.

“The time has come for all lovers of democracy to rise in defence of the democratic gains Nigerians have fought hard to achieve. Silence in the face of these developments could have far-reaching consequences for the future of our country,” he stated.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the Federal Government, the judiciary, or the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the allegations raised by Frank.