Timi Frank Alleges Atiku’s Life at Risk After Withdrawal of Police Security
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has accused the federal government of exposing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to security threats following the withdrawal of police officers from his protection detail.
As a former vice president, Atiku is legally entitled to police security.
On November 23, President Bola Tinubu directed that police officers assigned to VIP protection nationwide be redeployed to focus on core policing duties.
The directive affected Atiku, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, former First Lady Aisha Buhari, and 17 other VIPs.
In a statement on Tuesday, Frank described the withdrawal as sudden, adding that it was part of a plot by the Presidency to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar 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.
“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.
“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,” Frank said.
Since leaving office in 2007, Atiku has contested the presidency multiple times but has not succeeded.
Although he has not officially declared intentions to run in 2027, speculation continues about his potential candidacy.
Frank also accused Tinubu of appointing people from his ethnic group (Yoruba) into top security positions to “carry out dirty political jobs”.
He added that if the President has genuine intentions, he should also withdraw police personnel from the security details of his family members, friends, and appointees.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
