APC Campaign Council Denies Assassination Plot Against Atiku Abubakar, Calls for Investigation

ABUJA, NIGERIA — The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has strongly rejected allegations of a plot to assassinate former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The campaign council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, described the claims as “wild, baseless allegations” aimed at heating up the polity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The ruling party’s reaction follows a public statement by Timi Frank, a member of the ADC, who alleged that the Nigerian Government was planning to assassinate the former Vice President.

Reacting to the development, Alake urged Nigerian security agencies to immediately invite Frank to substantiate his claims, given the gravity of the accusation.

“This is a grave allegation that Mr Frank must prove,” Alake said. “We thus urge security agencies to invite him to substantiate the allegation, given its gravity and the urgent need to preserve life. Any credible threat to life must be treated seriously, irrespective of political affiliation.”

The council categorically distanced both the APC Campaign Council and the presidency of Nigeria from any alleged plots targeting opposition figures.

Atiku’s Security Details Intact and Upgraded

The APC also debunked widespread narratives claiming that the security personnel attached to the former Vice President had been withdrawn.

According to the statement, Atiku Abubakar continues to enjoy state-funded protection from both the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) due to his status as a former Vice President.

Furthermore, the council revealed that President Bola Tinubu recently ordered an upgrade—rather than a withdrawal—of security details for all frontline candidates.

“Contrary to the falsehood promoted by Timi Frank, President Tinubu recently directed security agencies to reinforce and increase protection for all presidential, vice-presidential, governorship, and Deputy Governorship candidates across the country,” the statement clarified.

Defending President Tinubu’s democratic credentials, Alake noted that the President spent 16 years as the face of Nigeria’s opposition before leading the movement that defeated the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015. He maintained that the presidency views opposition politics as an essential pillar of Nigeria’s 27-year-old democracy.

The council dismissed Timi Frank’s claims as typical “opposition rabble-rousing” designed to seek international attention through social media tags and open letters to foreign leaders.

As Nigeria moves deeper into the election campaign season, the APC Campaign Council cautioned politicians and their supporters against making frivolous, outlandish statements capable of triggering avoidable tension. The party urged all political actors to focus their competitions on peaceful, lawful engagements and the critical issues affecting Nigerians.