A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, has raised the alarm over alleged plot to arrest and kill the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mr Frank, in an open letter, begged President Donald Trump and the international community for intervention, noting that the allegations surrounding Mr Atiku’s safety and the potential use of state institutions against opposition figures required urgent and independent investigation.
“These allegations must be independently and urgently investigated. Given their gravity, however, they cannot be dismissed or ignored until it’s too late to prevent harm,” the politician stated.
Mr Frank 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.
He added, “The protection of political opposition is not a favour that any government grants at its discretion. It’s a fundamental obligation of every democratic state.”
He alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission could be used to initiate proceedings against Mr Abubakar in circumstances that might result in his arrest and prolonged detention during the election campaign.
“The concern is not that Atiku Abubakar should be placed above the law. The concern is that the law must never be placed at the service of political persecution,” the politician stated.
Mr Frank called on the international community, including the European Union, African Union and others, to ensure that Nigerians were allowed to determine their future.
“I’m not asking the United States or any foreign government to determine who should govern Nigeria. That decision belongs exclusively to the Nigerian people. I’m asking the international community to help ensure that Nigerians retain the freedom to make that decision without fear, coercion, or unlawful interference,” he noted.
He urged the Nigerian government to provide credible assurances concerning the safety of Mr Abubakar and other opposition figures, calling on international partners to intensify diplomatic engagement ahead of the elections.
The politician added, “The protection of Atiku Abubakar’s life and liberty, the safety of all opposition leaders, and the integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 elections must be treated as urgent democratic priorities. The world mustn’t wait for a tragedy before it acts.”
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