From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Former All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy national publicity secretary, Timi Frank, has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, as well as the judiciary to demonstrate impartiality in the discharge of their duties, ahead of the 2027 polls.
Frank, in a statement, called for independent investigation into allegations of restriction on opposition campaigns and political intimidation and called on the international community to support credible and independent election observation missions in Nigeria.
According to him, particular attention should be given to political violence, voter intimidation, campaign restrictions, the conduct of security agencies and the transparency of the electoral process.
He called for responsible political rhetoric, warning that statements capable of creating the impression that election results had already been settled could further undermine public confidence in the electoral process, noting that “no political party or public official has the authority to predetermine the will of the Nigerian people. Elections must be won through the ballot, not through intimidation, institutional manipulation, or declarations that suggest the outcome has been settled in advance.”
Frank, who expressed concerns over allegations that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) could be used to initiate proceedings against the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 polls, said while political figures should not be exempted from legitimate investigations, the law enforcement agencies must operate independently and without political interference.
Furthermore, the former APC deputy spokesman implored the international community to take steps to ensure that adequate safeguards are in place for Nigerians to freely determine their political future during the forthcoming general election.
“Preventive diplomacy is not merely desirable; it is a responsibility. I am not asking the United States or any foreign government to determine who should govern Nigeria. That decision belongs exclusively to the Nigerian people. I am asking the international community to help ensure that Nigerians retain the freedom to make that decision without fear, coercion, or unlawful interference,” he said.