Former deputy national publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has alleged that the legal dispute involving Nafiu Bala Gombe and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was part of broader efforts to undermine the opposition in the country, warning the judiciary against delivering politically-motivated judgments in the matter and other cases involving opposition.
Frank made the allegation in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by him as United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East and Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA.
The former APC spokesman expressed concern over what he described as attempts to deploy the judiciary against opposition political parties ahead of future elections, urging judges across the country to uphold the rule of law and resist external pressure.
He specifically called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the National Judicial Council (NJC), judges of the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court to protect the independence of the judiciary and ensure that justice is dispensed without fear or favour.
According to Frank, judicial officers handling politically sensitive cases must exercise caution because the international community is closely monitoring developments in Nigeria.
“The Chief Judge and all judges of the Federal High Court, as well as judges across the country, should be cautious in the way they handle political and other sensitive cases at this time. They should be careful because the international community is watching and paying attention,” he said.
Frank alleged that efforts were underway to obtain court orders capable of weakening the opposition ADC led by former Senate President David Mark and restricting its participation in the democratic process ahead of thr 2027 general election.
He claimed that he was aware of what he described as subterranean moves by the Presidency to blackmail and intimidate the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court with corruption allegations in order to influence the handling of the ongoing ADC suit.
According to him, the ultimate objective was to secure a ruling that would stop ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and the party’s candidates for Senate, House of Representatives, governorship and state assembly positions from participating in the forthcoming general election.
He warned that any such move would be resisted by Nigerians committed to preserving democracy.
Frank urged judges handling such matters to ensure that their decisions are guided strictly by the law, warning that judgments perceived as politically motivated could further erode public confidence in the judiciary.
“If they are not aware, I am reminding them that the international community is monitoring what is happening in Nigeria, including what many perceive as fraudulent judgments. There will be consequences and actions against those involved,” he stated.
The political activist further alleged that judicial officers who aid attempts to derail democracy through questionable rulings could face repercussions from foreign governments and international institutions.
“From now on, if they do not know, I am telling them that there will be consequences from the international community, particularly from the American government, for judges who give judgments aimed at truncating democracy,” he said.
Frank also warned that such consequences could extend beyond the judges themselves.
“The consequences will affect not only them but also their families. There could be certain actions taken against them and their families. They should therefore be very careful,” he added.
Extending his warning to all levels of the judiciary, Frank stressed that appellate courts and the Supreme Court also have a responsibility to safeguard democratic values and preserve the integrity of the electoral process.
“This warning is not only for the Federal High Court. It also applies to the entire judiciary, including judges of the Court of Appeal and Justices of the Supreme Court,” he said.
Describing the current political atmosphere as critical, Frank urged judges not to allow themselves to be used as instruments for settling political disputes or excluding legitimate political actors from participating in elections.
“Everyone must understand that this election is very sensitive and very critical. If judges allow themselves to be used by the government or by politicians to undermine the process, there will be consequences,” he warned.
He maintained that democracy can only thrive when all qualified political parties and candidates are allowed to participate freely in the electoral process, insisting that the judiciary remains a crucial institution for protecting Nigeria’s democratic system.
