Electoral Reforms: Frank Petitions Trump Over 2027 Polls

A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has petitioned United States President Donald Trump, warning that Nigeria’s democracy faces grave danger ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In an open letter dated February 7, 2026, Frank alleged that the ruling party, in collaboration with the leadership of the National Assembly, is plotting to undermine the electoral process and entrench a one-party authoritarian system. He described the alleged plan as a form of “political genocide” against Nigerians.

Frank cautioned that failure to halt what he termed deliberate manipulation of the electoral framework could plunge the country into unrest, violent conflict, and a breakdown of law and order.

According to him, critical electoral reforms designed to curb fraud are being systematically weakened. He specifically accused the Senate leadership of undermining key provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, which he claimed enjoyed the support of more than 80 per cent of Nigerians, in order to facilitate rigging in the 2027 polls.

“The ruling party, working closely with the Nigerian Senate under a highly compromised Senate President, has begun laying the groundwork to manipulate and rig the 2027 general elections,” Frank alleged.

He recalled that similar provisions were ignored during the 2023 general elections, which he described as deeply flawed, and warned that their continued removal would further erode public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.

Frank also questioned the credibility of the 2023 presidential election, citing low voter turnout and reports by local and international observers. He noted that the declared winner secured 36.61 per cent of the total votes cast from an eligible voter population of over 93 million, figures he said raised serious concerns about legitimacy.

Referencing reports by the European Union Election Observation Mission and statements by the United States Department of State, Frank said both had highlighted transparency gaps and operational failures, while calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve future elections.

He urged the U.S. government and the international community to consider measures against the Senate President, whom he accused of leading efforts to disenfranchise Nigerians and silence opposition voices. He further described the 10th National Assembly as “one of the weakest in Nigeria’s history.”

Frank, who currently serves as United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, and a senior adviser to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA, also alleged that key state institutions, including the military, police, and judiciary, were under pressure to serve partisan interests.

He concluded by calling for urgent international support for credible elections, warning that continued disregard for democratic principles could push Nigeria toward authoritarianism and instability.