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The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has denied allegations of a plot by the Federal Government to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, urging security agencies to invite the accuser, Timi Frank, to substantiate his claims.
In a statement dated October 20, 2026, and signed by its spokesperson, Dele Alake, the council described the allegation by Frank, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as grave and called for a thorough investigation.
The council stressed that any credible threat to life must be treated seriously, irrespective of political affiliation, and urged Frank to provide relevant information to assist security agencies in establishing the facts.
“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The council also dismissed claims that security personnel attached to Atiku had been withdrawn, insisting that the ADC presidential candidate remained protected by the police and the Department of State Services (DSS).
It said President Bola Tinubu had recently directed security agencies to strengthen protection for presidential and vice-presidential candidates, as well as governorship and deputy governorship candidates, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the council, Atiku enjoys two levels of state-funded security protection as a former vice president, with additional protection provided in his capacity as a presidential candidate.
The APC campaign council defended Tinubu’s democratic credentials, recalling his years in opposition politics before the Peoples Democratic Party lost power in the 2015 general election.
It argued that Tinubu understood the importance of opposition politics in a democratic system and would not support any action aimed at threatening the life of an opposition figure.
However, the council accused Frank of making statements capable of heightening political tension, describing the assassination allegation as politically motivated and intended to attract attention.
“Mr Frank's claim is typical opposition rabble-rousing meant to heat the polity,” the statement said.
The council further criticised what it described as a pattern of opposition figures issuing open letters and tagging foreign leaders and international organisations in social media posts to gain attention.
It warned that political activities ahead of the 2027 elections could generate more provocative statements and allegations, urging politicians and their supporters to exercise restraint.
The council called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to ensure that public statements remained factual and responsible, warning against utterances capable of triggering unnecessary tension.
It urged political actors to keep the electoral contest peaceful and lawful, focusing on issues affecting Nigerians rather than personal attacks and unsubstantiated allegations.
