If anything happens to El-Rufai, Nigerian govt should be held responsible” — Frank tells U.S

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has called on the United States government and the international community to intervene in Nigeria over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and businessman Tunde Ayeni.

Frank made the appeal in a statement issued on Sunday, alleging that Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies were being used for political persecution against opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He warned that there was an emerging pattern of targeted harassment, insisting that international attention was necessary to prevent further abuse of state power.

“It is for this reason that I call on the United States government, the international community, and global human rights organisations to pay close attention and intervene where necessary to protect Nigerians from intimidation, harassment, and abuse of state power,” he said.

Frank also expressed concern over El-Rufai’s continued detention, which he said had exceeded four months on what he described as bailable allegations, warning that nothing untoward should happen to the former governor.

He further alleged that the detention was politically motivated, linking it to El-Rufai’s influence and knowledge of political events surrounding the 2023 presidential election.

On businessman Tunde Ayeni, Frank claimed his detention was part of a broader effort to weaken perceived opposition supporters, alleging that individuals with political connections were behind his ordeal.

He said Ayeni had previously been cleared in other legal matters and insisted that his current detention was unjust.

Frank further disclosed plans to compile names of officials allegedly involved in intimidation of opposition figures, which he intends to submit to international bodies, including the United States government, for possible sanctions such as visa restrictions and asset freezes.

He warned that continued suppression of democratic freedoms could undermine stability, arguing that when citizens lose faith in democratic processes, the risk of unrest increases.

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