There’s No Plot To Assassinate Atiku, Says APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is plotting to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing the allegation as false and dangerous. The council has also called on security agencies to invite Timi Frank, who made the allegation, to provide evidence.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, the APC said the accusation was too serious to be left without investigation.

“This is a grave allegation that Mr Frank must prove. We thus urge security agencies to invite him to substantiate the allegation, given its gravity and the urgent need to preserve life,” Alake said.

The council stressed that Frank should present any information available to him to help security agencies investigate the matter.

“We also urge Mr Frank not to hesitate to provide any information in his possession that will enable prompt investigation. Any credible threat to life must be treated seriously, irrespective of political affiliation,” the statement added.

Rejecting the allegation, the APC insisted neither the Presidency nor its Presidential Campaign Council was involved in any plan against Atiku or any opposition leader.

“We categorically reject the claim that the presidency of Nigeria or the APC Campaign Council is involved in any plot to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any opposition figure,” the statement said.

The council also denied reports that security personnel attached to the ADC presidential candidate had been withdrawn.

“The narrative that the security personnel attached to former Vice President Atiku have been withdrawn is totally false. The former Vice President is well protected by the police and the Department of State Security,” Alake stated.

According to the APC, President Tinubu recently directed security agencies to strengthen security for all presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.

The council added that Atiku enjoys state-funded security as a former vice president and that his protection has been reinforced ahead of the polls.

The APC said President Tinubu remains committed to democratic values and recognises the importance of a vibrant opposition, recalling that he spent 16 years in opposition before leading the coalition that ended the Peoples Democratic Party’s rule in 2015.

The council, however, accused Timi Frank of making inflammatory claims to stir political tension, urging politicians to focus on issue-based campaigns instead of spreading allegations capable of heating up the polity.

“Let our political competition be peaceful, lawful, and focused on the big issues that matter to Nigerians, not character assassination or wild, baseless allegations,” the statement concluded.

The statement comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general election, with both the ruling APC and opposition parties stepping up campaigns and public exchanges.