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The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has dismissed allegations that the Federal Government is plotting to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, challenging the accuser, Timi Frank, to provide evidence to security agencies.
The council, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Dele Alake, described the allegation as grave and urged relevant security agencies to invite Frank, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to substantiate his claim. Blueprint reports
Alake said any credible threat to life should be treated seriously, regardless of political affiliation, and urged Frank to make available any information that could assist an investigation.
APC denies involvement in alleged plot
The campaign council categorically denied that President Bola Tinubu, the Presidency or the APC campaign structure was involved in any plan to assassinate 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It also rejected claims that security personnel attached to the former vice president had been withdrawn, insisting that he remained protected by the police and the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to Alake, Tinubu had directed security agencies to reinforce protection for presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He maintained that Atiku’s security arrangements had not been compromised and said the former vice president benefited from two levels of state-funded security protection.
Alake added that Tinubu had directed increased protection for Atiku in his capacity as a presidential candidate ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The council did not provide further operational details of the security arrangements in the statement.
Tinubu recognises role of opposition, says council
Defending the President’s democratic credentials, Alake said Tinubu recognised opposition politics as an essential component of Nigeria’s democratic system.
He recalled the President’s role in opposition politics before the 2015 general election, when the APC defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which had governed Nigeria at the time.
According to the spokesperson, Tinubu’s experience as an opposition figure underscored his recognition of the role opposition parties play in a democratic system.
Alake argued that political disagreements should not be allowed to undermine democratic engagement or create unnecessary tension as parties prepare for the 2027 elections.
Council urges responsible political statements
The APC campaign council accused Frank of making claims it considered politically motivated and intended to attract attention and heighten tension in the country.
It also criticised what it described as a pattern among some opposition figures of publishing open letters and tagging foreign leaders and international organisations in social media posts.
The council warned that political competition could generate further allegations as the campaign season approaches, urging politicians and their supporters to exercise restraint in their public statements.
It called on candidates, political parties and supporters to focus on issues affecting Nigerians and avoid allegations that could inflame tensions.
The statement urged political actors to ensure that their competition remained peaceful, lawful and centred on substantive national issues rather than personal attacks and unsubstantiated claims.
The council’s response comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections. The allegation of a plot against Atiku, as well as the competing claims over his security arrangements, remains a matter requiring evidence and, where warranted, investigation by the relevant authorities.
The statement was signed by Alake, spokesperson for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, and dated October 20, 2026.
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