The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has denied allegations that the Federal Government or the ruling party’s campaign structure is plotting to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections. The council, through its spokesperson, Dele Alake, described the allegation as unsubstantiated and challenged former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary Timi Frank to provide evidence to security agencies, while insisting that any credible threat to life must be investigated regardless of political affiliation.
Key Highlights
- The APC Presidential Campaign Council has denied allegations of an assassination plot against Atiku Abubakar.
- Timi Frank, a former APC official now aligned with the ADC, raised concerns about alleged threats to Atiku’s life and political freedom.
- APC spokesperson Dele Alake challenged Frank to provide evidence to security agencies.
- The council says Atiku’s security protection has been strengthened, not withdrawn.
- The allegations have prompted calls for transparency and an investigation into any credible security threat.
- The controversy comes amid growing political activity ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Timi Frank Raises Alarm Over Alleged Threats to Atiku
The controversy followed allegations by Timi Frank, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC who is now aligned with the ADC.
Frank alleged that Atiku Abubakar could face threats to his life and political freedom, including possible intimidation, arrest or detention that could affect his participation in the electoral process.
He also expressed concern about the possible use of security and law-enforcement institutions, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), against the former vice president.
Frank called on the international community, including United States President Donald Trump, to pay attention to the allegations and urged relevant authorities to protect democratic participation in Nigeria.
A United States-based lobbying firm linked to Atiku also indicated plans to raise the concerns with American authorities and members of Congress.
Frank, who has previously raised alarm over alleged plots against the ADC, argued that Nigeria’s democratic credentials would be tested by how the government treats opposition figures and political rivals.
However, the alleged assassination plot remains an allegation and has not been established as fact by the information available for this report.
APC Campaign Council Demands Evidence
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, APC Presidential Campaign Council spokesperson Dele Alake categorically denied that the Presidency or the council was involved in any plan to harm Atiku or other opposition figures.
Alake described the allegation as serious and called on Frank to substantiate it with evidence.
“This is a grave allegation that Mr Frank must prove. We thus urge security agencies to invite him to substantiate the allegation, given its gravity and the urgent need to preserve life,” Alake said.
He urged Frank to provide any information in his possession to enable the relevant authorities to investigate the matter promptly.
The council maintained that any credible threat to life should be treated seriously, irrespective of the political party or affiliation of the person concerned.
Alake also criticised the circulation of unverified allegations, arguing that political competition should focus on issues affecting Nigerians rather than claims that could heighten tensions.
APC Says Atiku’s Security Has Not Been Withdrawn
The campaign council also rejected claims that security personnel attached to Atiku had been withdrawn.
According to Alake, the former vice president remains protected by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The council further stated that President Bola Tinubu had directed security agencies to reinforce protection for presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
Alake said Atiku, as a former vice president and presidential candidate, benefits from state-funded security arrangements, which he maintained had been strengthened rather than reduced.
The security arrangements and the allegations of threats remain separate issues: the council’s denial does not, by itself, establish whether any specific threat has been reported or independently investigated.
Reactions to the Allegations on Social Media
The dispute has generated discussion on X, formerly Twitter, and other online platforms, with reactions reflecting differing views about political competition and security in Nigeria.
Some commentators have questioned the evidence behind Frank’s allegations, while others have stressed the importance of investigating any credible threat against a political candidate.
The discussion has also revived broader concerns about the relationship between political opposition and state institutions, particularly allegations that law-enforcement agencies could be used against political rivals.
However, social media reactions do not independently establish the truth of the alleged plot or the extent of any security threat.
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2027 Elections: Calls for Evidence and Investigation
The exchange highlights the importance of evidence-based investigations as political activity increases ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC campaign council has challenged Frank to submit any supporting information to security agencies, while Frank has framed his concerns as an issue of democratic rights and political freedom.
The next significant development would be any formal complaint, evidence presented to investigators or official findings from the relevant security authorities.
Until such information becomes available, the alleged assassination plot should be treated as an unverified claim rather than an established fact.
Conclusion
The APC Presidential Campaign Council has rejected allegations of an assassination plot against Atiku Abubakar and challenged Timi Frank to provide evidence to support his claims.
The council maintains that Atiku’s security protection remains in place and says the government has directed security agencies to strengthen protection for political candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
Frank’s allegations, however, have raised questions about political security and the protection of opposition figures.
A transparent investigation into any credible evidence would help establish the facts, address legitimate security concerns and reduce the risk of unverified claims escalating political tensions.
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