The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council has categorically denied any conspiracy to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, stating that the allegation made by ADC member Timi Frank is unfounded and baseless.
**What did the APC Council say about the alleged plot?**
Dele Alake, the spokesperson for the APC campaign, issued a statement rejecting the claim and emphasizing that any credible threat to a person's life must be investigated thoroughly, irrespective of political affiliation. He called on Frank to submit any evidence he may possess to the appropriate law‑enforcement bodies for a swift inquiry.
**How is Atiku’s security being handled?**
The council also refuted reports suggesting that security personnel assigned to Atiku had been withdrawn. It affirmed that the former vice‑president continues to receive full protection from both the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS). The statement highlighted that President Bola Tinubu recently instructed security agencies to intensify protection for all presidential, vice‑presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
**What was President Tinubu’s directive?**
According to the council, Tinubu’s order aims to ensure a level playing field and to deter any attempts to disrupt the electoral process through violence or intimidation. The directive applies uniformly to candidates from all parties, reinforcing the government's commitment to a secure and credible election.
**Why does the APC consider the accusations political rhetoric?**
Alake described the assassination allegations as “typical opposition rabble‑rousing” intended to inflame the political atmosphere and attract international attention via social media. He urged political actors to engage in peaceful, lawful competition focused on substantive issues affecting Nigerians, rather than resorting to character attacks or unsubstantiated claims.
**What is the broader appeal to political actors?**
The APC campaign council reiterated President Tinubu’s long‑standing involvement in opposition politics and called on all candidates, parties and supporters to remain factual, responsible and dedicated to a peaceful democratic process as campaign activities intensify across the country.
“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 read.
The council’s response underscores the heightened sensitivity surrounding security matters in the lead‑up to the 2027 elections and reflects the broader effort by Nigerian authorities to maintain stability and public confidence in the electoral timetable.