ABUJA, Nigeria — The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has denied allegations of a plot to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, challenging African Democratic Congress (ADC) member Timi Frank to provide evidence to support his claim.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the council described the allegation as grave and urged security agencies to invite Frank to substantiate it, stressing that any credible threat to life must be investigated regardless of political affiliation.
The statement, signed by Dele Alake, spokesperson for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, called on Frank to provide any information in his possession to facilitate a prompt investigation.
The council categorically denied that President Bola Tinubu, the Presidency or the APC campaign organisation was involved in any alleged plot to assassinate Atiku or any other opposition figure.
It also rejected claims that security personnel attached to the former vice president had been withdrawn, insisting that Atiku remained protected by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to the statement, Tinubu recently directed security agencies to reinforce protection for presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The council further claimed that security arrangements for Atiku had not been compromised, adding that the former vice president enjoyed two levels of state-funded security protection.
It said Tinubu had increased security protection for Atiku in his capacity as a presidential candidate ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Defending the President’s position on opposition politics, the campaign council described Tinubu as a statesman and democrat who recognises opposition parties as an essential component of Nigeria’s democratic system.
The statement recalled Tinubu’s role in opposition politics before the 2015 general elections, when the APC defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ended its 16-year hold on the federal government.
The council accused Frank of making allegations capable of heightening political tension, arguing that politicians should avoid unsubstantiated claims and statements intended to gain political attention.
It also warned that the approach to the 2027 elections could see an increase in politically charged allegations as parties and candidates seek electoral advantage.
The campaign council urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint and ensure that public statements remain factual and responsible.
It called for peaceful and lawful political competition focused on issues affecting Nigerians, rather than personal attacks and allegations it described as baseless.
The controversy comes amid preparations for the 2027 general elections, with political parties and aspirants positioning themselves for the contest.
The campaign council’s statement represents its denial of the alleged assassination plot. The allegation itself, as presented in the statement, has not been independently established.
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