APC Denies Alleged Plot to Assassinate Atiku, Says ADC Candidate Is Protected

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has dismissed allegations of a plot to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing the claim as false and insisting that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate remains under adequate security protection.

In a press statement dated October 20, 2026, the council responded to allegations by Timi Frank, a member of the ADC, that the Nigerian government was plotting to assassinate Atiku.

The statement, signed by Dele Alake, spokesperson for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, called on Frank to substantiate his allegation and urged security agencies to investigate the claim.

The council stressed that any credible threat to life should be treated seriously, regardless of political affiliation, and encouraged Frank to provide any information that could assist a prompt investigation.

It, however, categorically denied any involvement by President Bola Tinubu or the APC Presidential Campaign Council in an alleged plot against Atiku or any other opposition figure.

The campaign council also rejected claims that security personnel attached to the former vice president had been withdrawn.

According to the statement, Atiku continues to enjoy police and Department of State Services (DSS) protection, adding that his security arrangements have not been compromised.

The council further claimed that Tinubu had directed security agencies to reinforce protection for presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It added that Atiku, as a former vice president and presidential candidate, enjoys two levels of state-funded security protection.

The council defended Tinubu’s democratic credentials, noting that the president had spent 16 years in opposition politics before the APC defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general election.

It argued that opposition politics remains an essential component of Nigeria’s democracy and maintained that political competition should be conducted peacefully and lawfully.

However, the council criticised Frank’s allegation, describing it as an attempt to generate political tension and attract public attention.

It also expressed concern over what it characterised as a growing tendency among politicians to make unsubstantiated allegations and public statements for political advantage.

As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, the APC Presidential Campaign Council urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint in their public communications.

The council called on political actors to focus on issues affecting Nigerians rather than engaging in personal attacks or making allegations it described as baseless.

It maintained that political disagreements should not undermine peace, democratic participation or public confidence in the electoral process.

The statement concluded with a call for peaceful, lawful and issue-based political competition as the country moves towards the 2027 elections.