The Presidency has rejected allegations by African Democratic Congress (ADC) member Timi Frank that the Nigerian government is plotting to assassinate former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, describing the claim as baseless and challenging him to provide evidence.
In a statement, the Presidency said the allegation was grave and urged security agencies to invite Frank to substantiate his claims, stressing that any credible threat to life must be investigated, regardless of political affiliation.
It also called on Frank to provide any information in his possession to facilitate a prompt investigation, noting that allegations involving threats to the life of a political figure should be treated with utmost seriousness.
The Presidency categorically denied that President Bola Tinubu, the federal government or the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council was involved in any plot to assassinate Atiku or any opposition figure.
It also dismissed claims that security personnel attached to the former vice-president had been withdrawn, insisting that he remained protected by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).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 the statement, Tinubu recently directed security agencies to strengthen protection for presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates nationwide ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Presidency maintained that Atiku’s security arrangements had not been compromised and said he benefited from two layers of state-funded protection in his capacity as a former vice-president and a presidential candidate.
It added that the administration had increased security measures for Atiku ahead of the next general elections.
Defending Tinubu’s democratic credentials, the Presidency said the president recognised opposition politics as an essential component of Nigeria’s democracy.
It recalled Tinubu’s role in opposition politics before the APC defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 presidential election, ending the PDP’s 16-year hold on power at the federal level.
The statement accused Frank and other opposition figures of making provocative allegations and using open letters and social media appeals to foreign leaders and international organisations to attract attention.
It described the assassination allegation as an attempt to inflame political tensions, warning that such claims could heighten anxiety as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Presidency urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint, verify information before making public statements and avoid rhetoric capable of triggering unnecessary tension.
It said political competition should remain peaceful, lawful and focused on issues affecting Nigerians rather than personal attacks and unsubstantiated allegations.
The controversy comes as political parties and their prospective candidates prepare for the 2027 general elections, with political security and the conduct of public debate likely to remain important issues in the run-up to the polls.
