ABUJA: The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has denied allegations that the Federal Government is plotting to assassinate former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, challenging African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Timi Frank to provide evidence to support his claim.
The council described the allegation as serious, insisting that any credible threat to life must be investigated regardless of political affiliation.
In a press statement issued by its spokesperson, Dele Alake, the APC Presidential Campaign Council urged security agencies to invite Frank to substantiate his allegation and provide any information that could assist an investigation.
The statement followed claims by Frank that the Nigerian Government was allegedly plotting to assassinate Atiku, who is identified in the statement as the ADC’s presidential candidate.
The campaign council, however, categorically rejected the allegation, maintaining that neither the Presidency nor the APC campaign structure was involved in any plan to harm the former vice-president or any opposition figure.
Addressing concerns over Atiku’s personal security, the campaign council dismissed claims that security personnel attached to the former vice-president had been withdrawn.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 further claimed that President Bola Tinubu had directed security agencies to reinforce protection for presidential and vice-presidential candidates, as well as governorship and deputy governorship candidates, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It maintained that Atiku’s security arrangements had not been compromised and asserted that his status as a former vice-president entitled him to additional state-funded security protection.
The statement did not provide documentary evidence of the alleged security reinforcement, but presented the claim as part of the council’s response to concerns raised by Frank.
The campaign council challenged Frank to present any evidence supporting his allegation, arguing that claims involving a possible threat to life should be treated with urgency.
It urged him to cooperate with security agencies and disclose any information in his possession that could help establish whether a credible threat existed.
The council also criticised what it described as the use of public allegations and open letters to attract attention from foreign leaders and international organisations.
According to the statement, political actors should exercise restraint in their public communications, particularly as political activities gather momentum ahead of the next general election.
The APC maintained that unsubstantiated claims could heighten political tension and urged politicians and their supporters to avoid statements capable of generating unnecessary anxiety.
In defending the president, the campaign council pointed to Tinubu’s political history as an opposition figure before the APC defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 presidential election.
The statement argued that Tinubu understood the importance of opposition politics, having played a prominent role in the political movement that ended the PDP’s 16-year period in power at the federal level.
It described the president as a statesman who recognises opposition politics as an essential component of Nigeria’s democratic system.
The council used this argument to reject suggestions that the administration would target political opponents, insisting that political competition should remain peaceful and lawful.
However, Tinubu’s historical role in opposition politics does not, by itself, establish whether the specific allegation raised by Frank is true or false. That question would depend on the available evidence and any investigation undertaken by the appropriate authorities.
The dispute comes as political parties and potential contenders begin preparing for the 2027 general elections, with security, political accountability and relations between the government and opposition likely to feature prominently in public debate.
Atiku, who served as vice-president from 1999 to 2007 and contested the presidency in 2019 and 2023, remains a prominent figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics.
The APC campaign council’s response highlights the sensitivity surrounding allegations of political intimidation or threats to opposition figures during an election cycle.
While the council has rejected Frank’s claim, the allegation itself underscores the importance of credible information and transparent handling of any reported threat to a political figure.
A thorough investigation, where warranted by available evidence, would help establish the facts and determine whether any security concern requires further action.
The campaign council concluded by calling on political parties, candidates and their supporters to ensure that public statements remain factual and responsible.
It urged political actors to focus on issues affecting Nigerians rather than exchanging allegations that could increase tension.
The statement was signed by Dele Alake, spokesperson for the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
As the controversy develops, the central questions remain whether Timi Frank can provide evidence to substantiate his allegation and whether security agencies will undertake any formal investigation. The APC has firmly denied the claim, while any independent determination of the matter would require verifiable evidence.
RapidoSpace News will continue to monitor developments surrounding the allegation and responses
