Tinubu’s Campaign Council denies plot to kill Atiku

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has denied allegations that the Federal Government is plotting to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, challenging the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Timi Frank, to provide evidence to substantiate his claim.

The council also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had directed security agencies to reinforce protection for presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, described the allegation as grave and urged security agencies to invite Frank to substantiate it, stressing that any credible threat to life should be investigated irrespective of political affiliation.

Alake also called on Frank to provide any information in his possession that could assist security agencies in conducting a prompt investigation.

The council, however, categorically rejected any suggestion that the Presidency or the APC Presidential Campaign Council was involved in a plot to assassinate Atiku or any opposition figure.

It further dismissed claims that security personnel attached to the former vice president had been withdrawn, insisting that his security arrangements remained intact.

According to Alake, Atiku continues to enjoy police and Department of State Services (DSS) protection, adding that his status as a former vice president entitles him to two levels of state-funded security protection.

He said Tinubu had also increased security protection for Atiku in his capacity as a presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.

The council maintained that the security arrangements around the ADC presidential candidate had not been compromised, contradicting the allegation that his safety was under threat from the Federal Government.

Defending Tinubu’s commitment to democratic governance, Alake said the President recognised opposition politics as an essential component of Nigeria’s democracy.

He recalled that Tinubu spent 16 years as an opposition figure and played a prominent role in efforts that culminated in the defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general elections.

According to him, the President’s political history demonstrates his understanding of the importance of a viable opposition in a democratic system.

Alake described Frank’s allegation as an attempt to generate political tension, accusing some opposition figures of making public claims and addressing open letters to foreign leaders and international organisations to attract attention.

He warned that political competition could produce further allegations as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections, urging politicians and their supporters to exercise restraint in their public statements.

The APC campaign spokesperson called on political parties, candidates and supporters to avoid unsubstantiated allegations capable of heightening tensions, insisting that electoral contests should be conducted peacefully and within the law.

He said political debates should focus on issues affecting Nigerians rather than personal attacks and allegations that could inflame the political atmosphere.

The statement comes amid preparations by political parties and their candidates for the 2027 general elections, with security and political tensions likely to feature prominently in the campaign season.