The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has denied allegations that the Federal Government is plotting to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing the claim as false.
The council was reacting to a statement by Timi Frank, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who alleged that the government was planning to assassinate Atiku, the party’s presidential candidate.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, urged security agencies to invite Frank to substantiate his allegation, given its seriousness.
Alake also called on Frank to provide any information in his possession to facilitate an investigation, stressing that credible threats to life should be treated seriously regardless of political affiliation.
He said neither President Bola Tinubu nor the APC Presidential Campaign Council was involved in any plot to assassinate Atiku or any opposition figure.
The council also dismissed claims that security personnel attached to the former vice president had been withdrawn, insisting that he remained protected by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to Alake, Tinubu recently directed security agencies to strengthen protection for presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He added that Atiku, as a former vice president and presidential candidate, enjoyed two levels of state-funded security protection, which had been reinforced by the president.
Alake described Frank’s allegation as an attempt by the opposition to create political tension, accusing some opposition figures of making sensational claims and using social media to attract international attention.
He, however, urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint and ensure that public statements were factual and responsible as the country moved deeper into the campaign season.
The APC spokesperson said political competition should remain peaceful, lawful and focused on issues affecting Nigerians rather than what he described as character assassination and baseless allegations.
