By Opeyemi Adelakun
The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has dismissed allegations of a plot to assassinate former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, insisting that his security arrangements remain intact ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, stated this on Tuesday while responding to claims by former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank, who had raised concerns about alleged threats to Atiku’s life and political freedom.
“We categorically reject the claim that the presidency of Nigeria or the APC Campaign Council is involved in any plot to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any opposition figure,” Alake said.
The council challenged Frank to provide evidence to support his allegation, urging security agencies to invite him to substantiate the claims.
It also dismissed reports that Atiku’s security personnel had been withdrawn, saying the former vice-president continued to receive protection from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services.
“Atiku’s security has not been compromised. As a former vice president and presidential candidate, he enjoys state-funded security protection,” the council said.
According to Alake, President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to strengthen protection for presidential and other major political candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
The council described the allegations as capable of generating political tension and urged political actors to exercise responsibility when making public statements about security matters.
Frank seeks investigation
Frank had called for an independent investigation into what he described as an alleged plan to intimidate Atiku and potentially secure his arrest during the election campaign.
In an open letter addressed to US President Donald Trump and other international leaders, he sought diplomatic intervention over the alleged threats.
Frank expressed concern that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission could be used to initiate proceedings that might lead to Atiku’s arrest and prolonged detention during the campaign period.
“These allegations must be independently and urgently investigated. Given their gravity, however, they cannot be dismissed or ignored until it is too late to prevent harm,” he said.
He argued that the issue was not whether Atiku should be above the law, but whether law enforcement institutions could be deployed against political opponents.
“The protection of political opposition is not a favour that any government grants at its discretion. It is a fundamental obligation of every democratic state,” Frank added.
In its response, the APC campaign council maintained that any credible threat to life should be investigated regardless of political affiliation and urged Frank to submit any information that could assist security agencies.
Alake also cited Tinubu’s history in opposition politics before the APC defeated the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2015 general elections, saying the President recognised the importance of opposition politics in a democracy.
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