Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, has warned that any attempt to deregister the African Democratic Congress and other opposition parties could plunge the country into political instability and weaken Nigeria’s democratic system.
Frank, in a statement issued on Tuesday, described reports of moves to remove opposition parties from the political landscape as a serious threat to multi-party democracy and constitutional freedoms.
He alleged that the development was part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former APC spokesman also called on the international community, including the administration of United States President Donald Trump, to closely monitor political developments in Nigeria and support efforts to safeguard democratic institutions.
According to Frank, there were reports that the Court of Appeal, led by Justice Mohammed A. Danjuma, had previously directed Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court to suspend proceedings in the matter pending the determination of an appeal scheduled for October 27, 2026.
He, however, questioned the circumstances surrounding the delivery of the judgment, alleging that the ruling was issued without prior notification to the parties involved.
Frank claimed that neither the litigants nor their legal representatives were informed that judgment would be delivered, describing the development as unusual and raising concerns about the judicial process.
He further alleged that the ruling was designed to achieve a predetermined political objective, although he did not provide evidence to support the claim.
The political activist maintained that any move to deregister major opposition parties, particularly the ADC, could generate widespread tension across the country.
According to him, the issue extends beyond partisan politics and concerns the constitutional rights of citizens to freely associate, participate in politics and choose leaders through competitive elections.
Frank also alleged that opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, had faced sustained efforts aimed at weakening their internal structures and political influence.
Expressing concern over the perceived independence of the judiciary, he claimed that growing public doubts about the neutrality of some judicial officers could erode confidence in democratic institutions.
He further questioned what he described as the recurring assignment of politically sensitive cases to certain judges, alleging that such developments had fuelled suspicions among sections of the public.
Frank argued that many Nigerians view the ADC as a political platform with national appeal capable of attracting support across ethnic, religious and regional divides.
He warned that attempts to shrink the democratic space or create conditions that could lead to a one-party state might have serious consequences for national unity and political stability.
The former APC chieftain urged civil society organisations, religious leaders, professional groups, youth bodies and other stakeholders to remain vigilant in protecting the country's democratic gains.
He also appealed to democratic governments and international organisations to pay close attention to developments in Nigeria, stressing that preserving political pluralism and the rule of law remained essential to the country's democratic future.
Frank said Nigerians must continue to defend democratic values and institutions, warning that complacency could endanger the progress achieved since the country's return to democratic rule.
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