Ex-APC Chieftain Urges US to Sanction Tinubu’s Officials Over Alleged Anti-Democratic Actions

A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has called on the United States and the international community to impose sanctions on key officials of the Federal Government, alleging actions that could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement issued on Friday, Frank urged the U.S. government to enforce visa restrictions, economic sanctions, and asset freezes on top government functionaries, including those he accused of supporting anti-democratic practices.

He alleged that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is using state institutions to weaken opposition parties ahead of future elections.

According to him, “The aim and goal are to ensure that no political party fields a candidate strong enough to contest with the president,” warning that such moves could push the country into crisis if not urgently addressed.

Frank also accused institutions such as the judiciary and legislature of being used to stifle opposition forces, stressing that democracy should remain a contest of ideas rather than what he described as a “monarchical system.”

He called on global actors, including the United States and the United Nations, to intervene before the situation worsens.

“The international community must not wait until Nigeria descends into crisis or conflict before taking action,” he said, adding that instability in a country with over 200 million people could trigger a large-scale refugee crisis.

His remarks come amid controversy surrounding the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission to delist the David Mark-led faction of the African Democratic Congress.

While the opposition party blamed the federal government for the move, INEC clarified that the action was based on ongoing court disputes involving the party.