The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has dismissed allegations that the Nigerian government is plotting to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing the claim as false and unfounded.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and signed by its spokesperson, Dele Alake, the council responded to allegations made by Timi Frank, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who claimed that the government was planning to eliminate Atiku, the ADC’s presidential candidate.
The APC campaign council described the allegation as serious and called on security agencies to invite Frank to provide evidence to support his claims.
According to the council, any credible threat to an individual’s life must be treated with urgency, regardless of political affiliation. It urged Frank to cooperate fully with investigators by submitting any information that could help establish the facts behind the allegation.
The council, however, categorically denied any involvement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration or the APC Presidential Campaign Council in an alleged plot against Atiku or any opposition figure.
APC Denies Withdrawal of Atiku’s Security Personnel
Addressing claims that security personnel assigned to the former vice president had been withdrawn, the council described the reports as misleading and insisted that Atiku’s security arrangements remained intact.
It stated that the former vice president continued to receive protection from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The council further claimed that President Tinubu had directed security agencies to reinforce protection for presidential and vice-presidential candidates, as well as governorship and deputy governorship candidates, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the statement, Atiku’s status as a former vice president also entitles him to additional state-funded security protection, while further measures have reportedly been taken to strengthen his security as a presidential candidate.
The council maintained that there had been no compromise in the security arrangements surrounding the ADC presidential hopeful.
APC Defends Tinubu’s Democratic Credentials
The APC Presidential Campaign Council also defended President Tinubu’s record on democracy, arguing that his political history demonstrated an understanding of the importance of opposition parties in a democratic system.
It noted that Tinubu spent 16 years as a prominent opposition figure and played a significant role in the political movement that ended the Peoples Democratic Party’s hold on the presidency in 2015.
The council argued that Tinubu recognised political opposition as an essential component of Nigeria’s democratic development and rejected suggestions that his administration would seek to eliminate political rivals.
It also criticised Frank’s allegation, describing it as an attempt to generate political controversy and attract public attention.
The statement further accused some opposition figures of making sensational claims and publishing open letters directed at foreign leaders and international organisations to draw attention to themselves.
APC Urges Political Actors to Avoid Tension Ahead of 2027 Elections
With political activities expected to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, the council warned that unsubstantiated allegations and provocative public statements could increase political tension across the country.
It called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint and ensure that their public communications are based on facts and handled responsibly.
The council stressed that political competition should remain peaceful, lawful and focused on issues affecting Nigerians, rather than personal attacks or allegations capable of creating unnecessary controversy.
The statement concluded with an appeal for political actors to prioritise national stability and democratic principles as preparations for the next general elections gather momentum.
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The assassination allegation and the APC council’s response underscore the importance of transparent investigations whenever claims involving threats to political figures emerge. Any determination of the allegation’s credibility would depend on evidence and the findings of the relevant security agencies.
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