APC DENIES INVOLVEMENT IN ALLEGED PLOT AGAINST ATIKU
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has denied allegations that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is plotting to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, challenging African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Timi Frank to provide evidence to support his claim.
The council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, made the position known in a statement on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, describing the allegation as serious and urging security agencies to invite Frank for questioning.
Frank, a former deputy national publicity secretary of the APC, had called on United States President Donald Trump and other international leaders to intervene over what he described as threats to Atiku’s life and political freedom ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In an open letter dated October 19, Frank raised concerns about the possible use of government institutions to intimidate, arrest, detain or assassinate Atiku, who is the ADC’s presidential candidate for the forthcoming election. He also called for an independent investigation into the alleged threats.
Responding to the claims, Alake said neither the Presidency nor the APC Presidential Campaign Council was involved in any plan to assassinate Atiku or any opposition figure. He urged Frank to provide any information in his possession to the relevant security agencies, adding that credible threats to life should be investigated regardless of political affiliation.
The council also dismissed claims that security personnel assigned to Atiku had been withdrawn, insisting that the former vice president continued to receive protection from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to Alake, Tinubu had directed security agencies to strengthen protection for presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 elections. He maintained that Atiku’s security arrangements had not been compromised and said the former vice president’s protection had been reinforced.
The council further criticised Frank’s statement, accusing him of making allegations capable of creating political tension ahead of the elections. It urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to exercise restraint in their public statements and keep political competition peaceful.