Nepal Protests: INEC, Judiciary, Security Agencies Get Strong Warning
- Timi Frank warned INEC, the judiciary and security agencies to reform or risk unrest similar to the protests in Nepal
- He commended INEC for recognising the David Mark-led ADC but criticised its past partisan actions and called for the electronic transmission of results
- Frank urged the US and international community to pressure Nigeria into reforms, warning of instability worse than ENDSARS without urgent action
Following the recent protest that rocked Nepal, the federal government of Nigeria, alongside other top agencies, have received a strong warning from Nigerians.
Specifically, the former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, advised the Independent National Electoral Commission to urgently implement all important reforms ahead of the 2027 elections.
Source: Twitter
Frank: Why Nigeria may face Nepal's fate
In a statement issued on Sunday, September 13, and sighted by Legit.ng in the nation's capital, Abuja, Frank issued a serious warning that without reforms, Nigeria may likely slide into unrest similar to the recent Nepal protests.
He stressed that INEC, the judiciary, security agencies, and other democratic institutions must remain neutral to safeguard democracy.
INEC commended over inclusion
Frank praised INEC for recognising the David Mark-led African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership, describing it as a step towards credibility and inclusiveness.
“This bold and positive action should not stand alone. As the nation looks ahead to 2027, INEC must replicate this same spirit of independence and courage in the overall conduct of the polls,” he said.
Timi Frank calls out INEC
However, Frank accused INEC of compromising neutrality during the 2023 general elections and recent bye-elections.
He insisted that reforms such as electronic transmission of results and the removal of partisan officials were critical to restoring trust.
Judiciary, security agencies under spotlight
Frank also warned the judiciary to uphold justice without bias, stating:
Source: Facebook
“Justice must not only be done but be seen to have been done. We will hold accountable any judge compromised by partisan influence.”
He further cautioned security agencies against their “usual role” of rigging elections for the ruling party, urging them to protect voters and prevent violence.
“Failure to do so risks pushing Nigeria into a situation worse than Nepal’s recent unrest, given our challenges with poverty and tyranny,” he warned.
Call for international support
Frank called on the United States and the international community to pressure the Nigerian government and INEC into prioritising electoral reforms.
He specifically urged US president Donald Trump to back sanctions on any compromised judges, justices, or electoral officials.
“We believe and support Donald Trump’s position on enthroning true democracy across Africa,” Frank said.
He concluded that without urgent reforms and ethical leadership, Nigeria faced the risk of political instability akin to the ENDSARS protests and the Nepal upheaval, undermining the country’s democratic gains.
Analysts warn Nigerian govt
Reacting, Hamma Hayatu, a public analyst, while speaking with Legit.ng on Sunday, September 15, said:
"When this happens in Nigeria no govt appointee will do anything that will make the masses angry. If they do not change their ways in Nigeria is a matter of time before it happens here too.
"Governors are so rich with subsidy removal money, they do anyhow with it while their citizens do fallow in poverty. Nepal is coming to them sooner or later."
ADC raises alarm over INEC voter data
In a previous report, Legit.ng reported that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) warned that Nigeria’s 2027 general elections could be compromised if what it called ‘statistically implausible’ voter registration figures recently released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are not urgently addressed.
In a statement signed by its national publicity secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the figures from Osun state and the South-West zone defied both historical patterns and demographic realities, raising doubts about the credibility of the electoral process.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
