Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has appealed to United States President Donald Trump and the worldwide neighborhood to intervene diplomatically over alleged threats to the life and political freedom of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar forward of Nigeria’s 2027 normal elections.
Frank, in an open letter addressed to Trump and different worldwide leaders on Monday, expressed concern over studies of alleged plans to intimidate, arrest, detain or in any other case undermine Atiku’s participation within the forthcoming electoral course of.
Atiku, a number one opposition determine and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has been on the centre of political debates forward of the 2027 elections.
Frank urged the United States, the United Nations, the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom to interact the Nigerian authorities and demand credible assurances relating to the protection of opposition leaders.
According to Frank, who serves as an envoy of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) to East Africa and the Middle East, the allegations regarding Atiku’s security and the potential use of state establishments in opposition to opposition figures require pressing and impartial investigation.
“These allegations must be independently and urgently investigated. Given their gravity, however, they cannot be dismissed or ignored until it is too late to prevent harm,” he stated.
Frank warned that any try to make use of legislation enforcement or safety companies to hinder opposition candidates would undermine democratic participation and erode public confidence in Nigeria’s establishments.
“The protection of political opposition is not a favour that any government grants at its discretion. It is a fundamental obligation of every democratic state,” he stated.
He particularly raised considerations over allegations that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) might be used to provoke proceedings in opposition to Atiku underneath circumstances that may result in his arrest and extended detention in the course of the election marketing campaign.
However, Frank clarified that his place was not that political figures needs to be exempt from legit investigations, however that legislation enforcement companies should function independently and with out political interference.
“The concern is not that Atiku Abubakar should be placed above the law. The concern is that the law must never be placed at the service of political persecution,” he stated.
He referred to as on the Federal Government to make sure that any investigation involving opposition figures was based mostly on credible proof and carried out in accordance with due course of.
Frank additionally questioned the perceived selective utility of anti-corruption legal guidelines, arguing that public confidence in establishments such because the EFCC trusted their skill to research allegations impartially, no matter political affiliation.
He maintained that no public official or political affiliate needs to be shielded from legit scrutiny due to proximity to the presidency.
“If the government expects Nigerians to trust its anti-corruption institutions, those institutions must demonstrate that justice is neither partisan nor selective,” he stated.
Describing Atiku as one in every of Nigeria’s most distinguished opposition figures, Frank stated his criticism of presidency insurance policies and participation in debates on governance and public accountability had been legit options of a democratic system.
He argued that political disagreements needs to be addressed by way of open debate and lawful procedures moderately than intimidation or threats.
“The test of Nigeria’s democracy is not whether the government protects its allies, but whether it protects the rights of those who challenge it,” Frank added.
Concerns Over 2027 Elections
Frank additionally expressed concern concerning the credibility of the 2027 normal elections, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), safety companies and the judiciary to exhibit impartiality within the discharge of their tasks.
He stated allegations of restrictions on opposition campaigns, political intimidation and interference with electoral establishments needs to be independently investigated earlier than they escalate.
The activist additional referred to public statements attributed to distinguished political figures, together with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, which critics have interpreted as suggesting confidence in a predetermined electoral end result.
He referred to as for accountable political rhetoric, warning that statements able to creating the impression that election outcomes had already been determined might additional undermine public confidence within the electoral course of.
“No political get together or public official has the authority to predetermine the desire of the Nigerian individuals.
“Elections must be won through the ballot, not through intimidation, institutional manipulation, or declarations that suggest the outcome has been settled in advance,” Frank stated.
He urged the worldwide neighborhood to assist credible and impartial election remark missions in Nigeria, with explicit consideration to political violence, voter intimidation, marketing campaign restrictions, the conduct of safety companies and transparency within the electoral course of.
Frank maintained that the worldwide neighborhood shouldn’t wait till a serious political disaster erupts earlier than taking preventive motion.
“Preventive diplomacy is not merely desirable; it is a responsibility,” he stated.
He harassed that his attraction to Trump and different worldwide leaders was not an try to affect who ought to govern Nigeria, however moderately a name for safeguards to make sure that Nigerians might freely decide their political future.
“I’m not asking the United States or any international authorities to find out who ought to govern Nigeria. That determination belongs completely to the Nigerian individuals.
“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 stated.
Frank warned that electoral injustice might deepen public mistrust, heighten political tensions and threaten nationwide stability, with potential implications for the broader West African area.
He referred to as on the Nigerian authorities to offer credible assurances relating to the protection of Atiku and different opposition figures, whereas urging worldwide companions to accentuate diplomatic engagement forward of the elections.
“The protection of Atiku Abubakar’s life and liberty, the safety of all opposition leaders, and the integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 elections must be treated as urgent democratic priorities,” he stated.
He added: “The world must not wait for a tragedy before it acts.”
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