The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has dismissed allegations that the Federal Government is plotting to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing the claim as false and demanding evidence from its author, Timi Frank.
Frank, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had alleged that the Nigerian Government was plotting to assassinate Atiku, the party’s presidential candidate.
Reacting to the allegation in a statement on Tuesday, Dele Alake, spokesperson for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, described it as grave and urged security agencies to invite Frank to substantiate his claims.
Alake also called on Frank to provide any information in his possession that could assist investigators, stressing that any credible threat to life must be taken seriously, regardless of political affiliation.
However, the APC campaign council categorically denied any involvement by President Bola Tinubu’s administration or the party’s campaign council in an alleged plot to assassinate Atiku or any opposition figure.
The council also dismissed claims that security personnel attached to the former vice president had been withdrawn, insisting that he remained protected by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services.
According to Alake, Tinubu recently directed security agencies to reinforce protection for presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He maintained that Atiku’s security had never been compromised, adding that the former vice president enjoyed two levels of state-funded protection by virtue of his former office.
“President Tinubu has increased security protection for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as a Presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the statement said.
Defending Tinubu’s democratic credentials, Alake said the president recognised opposition politics as an essential component of Nigeria’s democracy.
He recalled Tinubu’s role as an opposition figure for 16 years, arguing that the president helped galvanise opposition forces that defeated the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2015 general elections.
The APC spokesperson accused Frank of engaging in political rabble-rousing, alleging that his claim was intended to heighten tension in the country.
He further criticised opposition figures for allegedly using open letters and social media posts tagging foreign leaders and international organisations to attract attention.
Alake warned that politicians and their supporters could resort to exaggerated statements and unsubstantiated allegations as the 2027 election campaigns approach.
He urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint, remain factual in their public statements and avoid remarks capable of inflaming tensions.
The spokesperson said political competition should remain peaceful and lawful, with debates focused on issues affecting Nigerians rather than character attacks and unsubstantiated allegations.
