A war of words has erupted over an alleged threat to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s safety and political future ahead of the 2027 general elections, with former APC chieftain Timi Frank calling for international intervention and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council dismissing the claims and challenging him to provide evidence.
In an open letter to United States President Donald Trump and other international leaders, Frank warned of alleged plans to intimidate, arrest or detain Atiku in ways that could undermine his participation in the electoral process.
He specifically expressed concern over the possible use of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to initiate proceedings against the former vice president, potentially resulting in his arrest and prolonged detention during the election campaign.
Frank urged the United States, the United Nations, the African Union, ECOWAS, the European Union and the United Kingdom to engage the Nigerian government and seek assurances on the safety of opposition leaders ahead of the elections.
However, the APC Presidential Campaign Council, in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, dismissed the allegations, insisting that neither President Bola Tinubu nor the council was involved in any plot to assassinate Atiku or any opposition figure.
The council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, described the allegation as grave and challenged Frank to provide evidence, urging security agencies to invite him for questioning to facilitate an investigation.
Alake also rejected claims that security personnel attached to Atiku had been withdrawn, maintaining that the former vice president remained protected by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
He added that Tinubu had directed security agencies to strengthen protection for presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that Atiku’s security arrangements had been reinforced rather than compromised.
Frank maintained that his concerns were not a call for Atiku to be exempted from legitimate investigations but a demand that law enforcement agencies operate independently and without political interference.
He also called for credible international election observation, with particular attention to political violence, voter intimidation, campaign restrictions and the conduct of security agencies.
