APC Denies Atiku Assassination Plot
The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has denied allegations that the Nigerian government is plotting to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its spokesperson, Dele Alake, the council rejected the allegation and challenged its source to present evidence to the appropriate security authorities.
The controversy followed an open letter by Timi Frank, an ADC member and former APC deputy national publicity secretary, who alleged that Atiku faced potential threats to his life and political freedom.
Frank called on United States President Donald Trump and other international leaders to intervene, while urging an independent investigation into the alleged threats.
He also appealed to the United States, the United Nations, the African Union, ECOWAS, the European Union and the United Kingdom to engage the Nigerian government over the safety of Atiku and other opposition figures.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the APC campaign council described the allegation as serious, insisting that any credible threat to life should be investigated regardless of political affiliation.
The council urged security agencies to invite Frank to substantiate his claims, while categorically denying that the presidency or the APC campaign organisation was involved in any plan to harm Atiku or another opposition figure.
The statement also rejected claims that security personnel assigned to the former vice president had been withdrawn.
According to Alake, Atiku continues to receive protection from the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service.
The APC spokesperson further disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had directed security agencies to strengthen protection for presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
Alake said the president recognised opposition politics as an essential part of Nigeria’s democracy, pointing to Tinubu’s own experience in opposition before the APC defeated the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2015 presidential election.
The council, however, accused Frank of making statements capable of heightening political tension and urged politicians to avoid unsubstantiated allegations.
It called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to keep public discourse factual and responsible as preparations for the next general elections gather momentum.
The exchange comes amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with questions about candidate security, political freedoms and the conduct of campaigns remaining important issues.
While the APC council has rejected the alleged assassination plot, the allegation remains a claim that would require credible evidence and appropriate investigation to establish its validity.
The council says political competition should remain peaceful, lawful and focused on issues affecting Nigerians rather than personal attacks and accusations.
As the election season approaches, attention will remain on how political parties and security agencies address threats, protect candidates and maintain public confidence in the democratic process.
