“A Grave Allegation He Must Prove” – APC On Alleged Plot To Assassinate Atiku

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has challenged Timi Frank, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to provide evidence for his allegation that the Federal Government is plotting to assassinate former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

The council described the allegation as grave, urging security agencies to invite Frank to substantiate his claim and provide any information that could facilitate an investigation.

In a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Dele Alake, the council categorically denied any involvement by President Bola Tinubu or the APC in an alleged plot against Atiku or any opposition figure.

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

The council also urged Frank to cooperate with security agencies, stressing that any credible threat to life should be investigated regardless of political affiliation.

It dismissed claims that security personnel attached to Atiku had been withdrawn, insisting that the former vice-president remained protected by the police and the Department of State Services (DSS).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 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 security around the ADC Presidential candidate has never been compromised,” the council said.

It added that Atiku, as a former vice-president, enjoyed two levels of state-funded security protection, claiming that Tinubu had increased his security arrangements following his emergence as a presidential candidate.

The council further defended Tinubu’s democratic credentials, recalling his years in opposition before the APC defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general election.

“President Tinubu, as a statesman and an avowed democrat, recognises opposition politics as an essential part of our 27-year-old democracy,” the statement said.

It described Frank’s allegation as an attempt to generate political tension, accusing some opposition figures of making public claims to attract attention.

The council, however, urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint as political activities intensify ahead of the next general election.

It warned against public statements capable of triggering unnecessary tension, calling for political competition to remain peaceful, lawful and focused on issues affecting Nigerians.

“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 added.

The council maintained that allegations of threats to political figures should be handled responsibly, with credible information made available to the appropriate authorities for investigation.