The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has denied an alleged plot to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The council described the allegation by African Democratic Congress (ADC) member Timi Frank as serious.
In a statement signed by spokesperson Dele Alake, the council urged security agencies to invite Frank for questioning. It also asked him to provide any evidence supporting his claim.
The council stressed that authorities must investigate every credible threat to life, regardless of political affiliation. However, it denied that President Bola Tinubu or the APC campaign council planned to assassinate Atiku or any opposition figure.
The controversy comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. Security arrangements for political candidates and the treatment of opposition figures remain important issues.
APC Denies Withdrawal of Atiku’s Security Personnel
The APC Presidential Campaign Council also rejected claims that security personnel attached to Atiku had been withdrawn.
According to the statement, Atiku continues to receive protection from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS). The council said his security arrangements remained intact.
It added that President Bola Tinubu had directed security agencies to strengthen protection for presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates nationwide.
The council said Atiku receives two levels of state-funded security protection as a former vice president and presidential candidate. It also claimed that Tinubu had increased his protection ahead of the 2027 elections.
The council maintained that the government was committed to protecting all political candidates, regardless of party affiliation.
Meanwhile, security remains a major governance concern in Nigeria. The Tinubu administration continues to face calls to address insecurity affecting communities and public infrastructure across the country.
For more on security and governance in the South-East, read NACCIMA Hails Mbah on Security, Backs Enugu’s $30bn Economic Ambition.
Tinubu Recognises Opposition Politics, APC Says
The campaign council defended Tinubu’s democratic credentials, describing him as a statesman who recognises opposition politics as an essential part of Nigeria’s democracy.
According to Alake, Tinubu spent 16 years as a prominent opposition figure before the APC defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 presidential election.
The statement argued that the president understood the importance of political competition because of his experience in opposition politics. It maintained that the administration had no reason to target Atiku or other opposition leaders.
Nigeria’s political landscape has continued to evolve as parties and political figures position themselves ahead of the next general election. The ADC has also featured in discussions about opposition collaboration and the search for a viable alternative to the ruling party.
Political developments in Enugu have similarly attracted attention as parties prepare for future electoral contests. Read more about the APC’s preparations for the Enugu State Local Government Elections.
APC Accuses Timi Frank of Political Provocation
The council described Frank’s allegation as an attempt to generate political tension and attract public attention.
Alake accused some opposition figures of making sensational claims through open letters and social media posts directed at foreign leaders and international organisations. He argued that such statements could distract from substantive political issues.
However, the council maintained that any allegation involving a potential threat to life should be investigated if credible information is available. It urged Frank to cooperate with security agencies rather than allow the controversy to escalate without evidence being presented.
The statement also warned that political actors and their supporters could make increasingly provocative claims as the 2027 campaign season approaches.
According to the council, politicians should avoid spreading unsubstantiated allegations that could heighten tensions or undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
The council’s response comes amid wider debates about political accountability, public communication and the responsibilities of political parties in a democratic society.
APC Urges Politicians to Avoid Statements That Could Heighten Tensions
The campaign council called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint in their public statements.
Alake said political competition should remain peaceful, lawful and focused on issues affecting Nigerians rather than personal attacks and allegations that lack supporting evidence.
He stressed that political disagreements should not lead to unnecessary tension or threaten the country’s democratic process.
The council urged political actors to prioritise national interests and respect the rule of law as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.
It reiterated its denial of any plot against Atiku and maintained that the former vice president’s security protection remained intact.
The statement was signed by Dele Alake, spokesperson of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
The allegation and the council’s response could further intensify political exchanges ahead of the next general election. However, the claims of an assassination plot remain allegations, and the statement alone does not independently establish whether any threat exists.
Security agencies would need to examine any evidence presented before reaching conclusions about the allegation.
