Timi Frank, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has accused President Bola Tinubu of exploiting ethnic divisions and applying political pressure to secure support for his 2027 re-election bid.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Frank claimed that President Tinubu is deliberately fostering tension between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions in a bid to further his political ambitions. He alleged that Tinubu views the upcoming 2027 presidential election as a personal battle against northern interests and is, therefore, using manipulation and coercion to rally southern support.
Frank warned Nigerians—both in the north and south—not to fall for what he described as Tinubu’s divisive tactics. He accused the president of blackmailing opposition governors, particularly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), using ethnic sentiment and threats of declaring states of emergency based on trumped-up allegations of corruption and violence.
According to Frank, at least five opposition governors from the south are under significant pressure to defect to the APC—not out of allegiance to Tinubu, but due to threats and intimidation. He claimed that these governors, along with members of the National Assembly, are being forced to pledge their loyalty or face political consequences, including potential loss of their second term bids.
“To Tinubu, the 2027 election is a personal fight against the north. That is why he is desperately trying to win over the south through manipulation and deceit. He seems to have forgotten that the north played a crucial role in his 2023 victory,” Frank stated.
Emphasizing the need for unity and visionary leadership, Frank said the country does not need a regional or tribal president but one capable of addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges. He criticized the president for allegedly prioritizing personal and tribal interests over national development, particularly pointing to the north’s alleged marginalization in federal appointments and infrastructure.
“As a southerner, I reject a tribalistic and divisive presidency,” Frank said. “We need a unifier, not someone who pits one region against another for personal gain.”
He also urged northern leaders to reconsider their support for Tinubu, warning that another term for the president could lead to further marginalization and neglect of the region. “If Tinubu returns in 2027, the north will suffer untold hardship. The signs are already evident,” he said.
Frank concluded by accusing the president of plotting to manipulate the next election, saying, “Tinubu is preparing to rig the election again, just as he allegedly did in 2023. If the north fails to act now, they may live to regret it.”
