APC Campaign Council Denies Plot To Assassinate Atiku

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has denied allegations that the Federal Government is plotting to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing the claim as false and urging its author to provide evidence.

The council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, stated this in a statement signed on Tuesday in response to allegations by Timi Frank, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who accused the Nigerian Government of plotting to kill Atiku, the party’s presidential candidate.

Alake called on security agencies to invite Frank for questioning and establish the basis of his claim.

“This is a grave allegation that Mr Frank must prove,” he said, urging him to provide any information that could assist a prompt investigation.

He added that any credible threat to life should be taken seriously, regardless of political affiliation.

The APC campaign council also dismissed claims that security personnel attached to Atiku had been withdrawn, insisting that the former vice president remained protected by the police and the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to Alake, President Bola Tinubu recently directed security agencies to strengthen protection for presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The security around the ADC Presidential candidate has never been compromised,” he said.

Alake further claimed that Atiku enjoyed two levels of state-funded security protection because of his status as a former vice president, adding that Tinubu had increased his security cover ahead of the elections.

He defended Tinubu’s democratic credentials, arguing that the president recognised opposition politics as an essential component of Nigeria’s democracy.

Alake recalled Tinubu’s years in opposition before the APC defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general elections, ending the latter’s 16-year rule at the federal level.

The spokesperson accused Frank and other opposition figures of making inflammatory statements to attract public attention, particularly through open letters and social media posts directed at foreign leaders and international organisations.

He described the assassination allegation as an attempt to create political tension, warning that such claims could heighten anxiety as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, Alake urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint in their public statements and avoid allegations capable of generating unnecessary tension.

He said political competition should remain peaceful and lawful, with candidates focusing on issues affecting Nigerians rather than personal attacks and unsubstantiated claims.

The statement did not provide independent evidence to substantiate the council’s assertions about the security arrangements surrounding Atiku.