Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, has cautioned judges across the country against delivering rulings capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic process, saying the international community is closely observing developments within the nation’s judiciary.
Frank gave the warning amid ongoing legal disputes involving the African Democratic Congress and one of its former national officers, Nafiu Bala Gombe.
In a statement on Tuesday, the political activist urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the National Judicial Council, and judges at various levels of the judiciary to uphold the independence of the courts and resist political pressure.
According to him, judicial officers handling politically sensitive cases must ensure that their decisions are guided strictly by the law and not by partisan interests.
“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,” Frank said.
He alleged that there were attempts to use the judiciary to weaken opposition political parties ahead of future elections, particularly in relation to the ADC.
Frank claimed that some forces were seeking court orders that could affect the operations of the party led by former Senate President David Mark and limit its participation in future electoral contests.
He further alleged that there were efforts to influence the handling of an ongoing court case involving the ADC, warning that any attempt to manipulate judicial processes would be resisted by Nigerians committed to preserving democracy.
The former APC spokesman urged judges to dispense justice without fear or favour, stressing that judgments perceived as politically motivated could 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.
Frank also alleged that judicial officers found to have aided actions capable of undermining democratic institutions could face sanctions from foreign governments and international bodies.
“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.
He added that the warning extended beyond judges of the Federal High Court to members of the appellate courts and the Supreme Court.
“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,” Frank added.
Describing the nation’s political atmosphere as delicate, he urged judicial officers not to allow themselves to be used as instruments for resolving political rivalries or excluding legitimate political actors from electoral contests.
Frank maintained that democracy would only flourish where all eligible political parties and candidates are given the opportunity to participate freely, adding that the judiciary remains central to the protection of democratic institutions and electoral integrity.
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