ABUJA — The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has denied claims that the government plans to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a statement on Tuesday, the council's spokesperson, Dele Alake, urged security agencies to invite Timi Frank, an ADC member and former deputy national publicity secretary of the APC, to substantiate the allegation. In an open letter dated 19 October, Frank had appealed to United States President Donald Trump, as well as the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, the European Union and the United Kingdom, alleging that state institutions could be used to intimidate, arrest or harm Atiku.

Alake said Atiku remains protected by the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service, and denied that his security had been withdrawn. He said President Bola Tinubu had directed security agencies to strengthen protection for presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates ahead of 2027, and that Atiku also enjoys state-funded security as a former Vice President.

He described Frank's claim as opposition rabble-rousing meant to heat up the polity and urged campaigners to make responsible statements.