To many Nigerians, the alarm raised by a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, over alleged plot to arrest and kill the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 general elections is sensationalism taken too far.
Frank, in an open letter, begged President Donald Trump and the international community for intervention, noting that the allegations surrounding Atiku’s safety and the potential use of state institutions against opposition figures required urgent and independent investigation.
He warned that any attempt to use law enforcement or security agencies to obstruct opposition candidates would undermine democratic participation and public confidence in Nigeria’s institutions.
Frank called on the international community, including the European Union, African Union and others, to ensure that Nigerians were allowed to determine their future.
He urged the Nigerian government to provide credible assurances concerning the safety of Atiku and other opposition figures, calling on international partners to intensify diplomatic engagement ahead of the elections.
In a swift response, the APC Presidential Campaign Council denied the allegation and asked Frank to substantiate his claim. It described the allegation as grave and urged security agencies to invite Frank to provide evidence, stressing that any credible threat to life must be investigated regardless of political affiliation.
How Frank arrived at the allegation really needs to be investigated by security agencies. He needs to be invited to substantiate his claim. What is his evidence? What intelligence did he gather to that effect?
First, why would anyone want to assassinate Atiku? Since he left office in 2007, there was no occasion where his security aides were withdrawn. As a former vice president of the country, he enjoys a very heavy security protection.
Atiku has contested many presidential elections without any assassination attempt. So, why now? Why does Frank think it is now that Atiku would be assassinated? Frank needs to throw more light on these allegations.