Atiku’s Security Under Spotlight as APC Responds to Fresh Allegations

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The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, APC-PCC, has rejected claims of an alleged plot to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, maintaining that adequate security measures remain in place to protect him ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The council also challenged former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank, to provide evidence to substantiate his allegations concerning threats to Atiku’s life.

Speaking in a statement on Tuesday, the council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, denied any involvement by the Presidency or the APC campaign council in an alleged plan to harm Atiku or any other opposition figure.

“We categorically reject the claim that the presidency of Nigeria or the APC Campaign Council is involved in any plot to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any opposition figure,” Alake said.

Alake called on security agencies to invite Frank to present evidence supporting his claims, stressing the seriousness of the allegations and the importance of safeguarding lives.

The council also dismissed reports that Atiku’s security personnel had been withdrawn, insisting that the former vice president continued to receive protection from the police and the Department of State Services, DSS.

“Reports that Atiku’s security personnel had been withdrawn are false. He remains protected by the police and the Department of State Services (DSS),” the council said.

It further disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had instructed security agencies to reinforce protection for presidential candidates and other prominent political contenders ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to the council, Atiku’s security arrangements remain intact because of his status as a former vice president and presidential candidate.

“Atiku’s security has not been compromised. As a former vice president and presidential candidate, he enjoys state-funded security protection,” the council said.

Frank, however, had called for an independent investigation into what he described as alleged attempts to intimidate and arrest Atiku, including through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

In an open letter addressed to United States President Donald Trump and other international leaders, the former APC chieftain appealed for diplomatic intervention over the alleged threats to Atiku’s life and political freedom.

He expressed fears that the anti-graft agency could be deployed to initiate legal proceedings that might result in Atiku’s arrest and prolonged detention during the election campaign.

“These allegations must be independently and urgently investigated. Given their gravity, however, they cannot be dismissed or ignored until it is too late to prevent harm,” Frank said.

He maintained that the central issue was not whether Atiku should be exempt from the law, but whether legal institutions could be manipulated to target political opponents.

“The protection of political opposition is not a favour that any government grants at its discretion. It is a fundamental obligation of every democratic state,” he said.

In response, the APC campaign council accused Frank of attempting to heighten political tensions through his allegations and urged political actors to exercise caution when making public statements.

The council stressed that any credible threat against an individual should receive serious attention, irrespective of the person’s political affiliation. It also encouraged Frank to submit any relevant information to security agencies to facilitate an investigation.

Alake further referenced Tinubu’s history as an opposition figure before the APC defeated the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2015 general elections.

“The President recognised opposition politics as an important part of democracy,” Alake added.

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