APC Campaign Council Denies Plot to Assassinate Atiku
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 planning to assassinate Atiku, the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the APC Presidential Campaign Council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, described the allegation as serious 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 security agencies in investigating the alleged threat, stressing that any credible threat to life should be taken seriously, regardless of political affiliation.
The council categorically denied any involvement by President Bola Tinubu’s administration or the APC campaign organisation in a plot against Atiku or any opposition figure.
It also rejected claims that security personnel attached to the former vice president had been withdrawn, insisting that he remained protected by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to Alake, Atiku enjoys two levels of state-funded security protection because of his status as a former vice president, adding that Tinubu had directed security agencies to strengthen protection for presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates across the country.
He further maintained that security arrangements for the ADC presidential candidate had not been compromised, noting that additional protection had been provided ahead of the 2027 elections.
The APC spokesperson defended Tinubu’s democratic credentials, describing him as a statesman who recognises opposition politics as an essential component of Nigeria’s democracy.
Alake recalled that Tinubu spent 16 years as a prominent opposition figure and played a leading role in the political movement that defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general elections.
He accused Frank of making inflammatory claims to generate political attention, arguing that some opposition figures frequently use open letters and social media posts directed at foreign leaders and international organisations to attract publicity.
The council also warned that political actors could make exaggerated statements and unsubstantiated allegations as the 2027 election campaigns approach.
It urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint and ensure that public statements are factual and responsible.
Alake said political competition should remain peaceful, lawful and focused on issues affecting Nigerians rather than personal attacks and allegations capable of heightening political tension.
