LAGOS – Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Comrade Timi Frank, has raised concerns over what he describes as an orchestrated plan to harm former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 elections.
Frank questioned the recent withdrawal of all police officers attached to Atiku, saying the action is suspicious and appears designed to leave him vulnerable, despite his legal right to such protection as a former Vice President.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Frank — who also serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East — said:
“No government since 2007 has ever interfered with Atiku Abubakar’s security detail, even though he has remained a strong opposition figure. Why now? And why at a time when insecurity is worsening nationwide? This decision clearly signals a hidden agenda.”
He insisted that claims of a general withdrawal of security from VIPs were misleading, arguing that Atiku is the real target.
“This so-called blanket withdrawal is just a cover. The aim is to isolate Atiku and make him vulnerable before the 2027 polls. He is entitled to police protection by law, and removing it at a period like this is intentional and dangerous,” Frank said.
Frank further warned that the development reflects troubling political tactics spreading across Africa, where leaders use state power to intimidate or eliminate opposition figures in order to maintain control.
“President Tinubu is now adopting the worrying practices seen in some African nations, where incumbents silence their opponents through state machinery. Atiku has been outspoken about the failures of this government, and this security withdrawal is simply political persecution,” he stated.
He also alleged that the dominance of individuals loyal to the President within the national security structure suggests an attempt to use state institutions for political objectives.
“It’s not accidental that most key security positions are occupied by people from the President’s ethnic group. They were placed there to execute political tasks, and this appears to be one of them,” he said.
Frank called on Nigerians and the international community — including the U.S., U.K., African Union, and ECOWAS — to pay close attention to the situation.
“We are alerting Nigerians and the world. If anything happens to Atiku Abubakar, this administration should be held accountable. The pattern resembles situations where security personnel are withdrawn right before bandits attack. Something sinister is being planned,” he warned.
He also urged the government to demonstrate fairness by withdrawing security from the President’s family members and close associates if the directive is truly general.
“If this is truly a nationwide directive, then the President’s relatives, allies, and appointees should also lose their security. They are VIPs too. But we all know the truth: Atiku Abubakar is the target,” he said.
Frank concluded with a warning that the country’s democracy is at risk.
“Nigeria is approaching a dangerous point. Any harm to Atiku or any opposition leader could throw this nation into chaos. The international community must not wait until it is too late.”
