Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has accused the Federal Government of plotting to endanger former Vice President Atiku Abubakar by withdrawing all police personnel attached to him.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 2, Frank described the decision as suspicious and politically motivated, claiming it was part of a larger plan to expose Atiku to harm ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“No administration since 2007 has ever tampered with Atiku Abubakar’s security despite his consistent role as a major opposition figure.
“Why now? Why at a time when insecurity is at an all-time high across the country? This action clearly reveals an ulterior motive,” Frank said.
He alleged that the explanation given by authorities, that police protection was being withdrawn broadly from VIPs, was only a smokescreen meant to disguise a targeted move against the former vice president.
“This so-called blanket withdrawal is a cover-up. The real objective is to isolate and eliminate Atiku ahead of the 2027 election.
“The pattern is too obvious to ignore. Atiku, by law, is entitled to police protection as a former vice president. Removing his security at this critical time is deliberate and dangerous,” he stated.
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Frank warned that the latest development mirrored a growing trend across Africa, where incumbent leaders allegedly use state institutions to intimidate or eliminate political rivals.
“President Tinubu is now following the disturbing trend in parts of Africa where incumbents use state power to silence their opponents.
“Atiku has been very vocal in exposing the failures of this administration, and this withdrawal of security is nothing but a political witch-hunt,” he declared.
The former APC spokesman challenged the government to demonstrate fairness by extending the withdrawal of police orderlies to senior presidential aides, relatives, and allies.
“If this directive is truly nationwide, then let the President’s family members, friends, and appointees also lose their security. They are also VIPs. But we know the truth: the main target is Atiku Abubakar, nobody else,” he said.
The controversy follows confirmation by the Nigeria Police that it has begun recalling 11,566 officers assigned to Very Important Personalities nationwide, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s instruction to reduce police deployment to private individuals amid rising insecurity.