Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has come under what the ex-APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank, calls “potentially life-threatening political maneuvering.”
Frank accused the Presidency of endangering Atiku by withdrawing police operatives from his security detail.
The move follows a directive from President Bola Tinubu on November 23, which ordered all police officers assigned to VIP protection to return to regular policing duties.
The directive affected Atiku, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, former First Lady Aisha Buhari, and 17 other VIPs. According to Frank, the withdrawal is sudden and suspicious.
He warned that it could be part of a larger plot to isolate and potentially harm the former Vice President ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Frank stressed that no administration since 2007 has interfered with Atiku’s constitutionally guaranteed security, despite his long-standing role as a major opposition figure.
He questioned the timing, pointing out that insecurity is already at critical levels nationwide.
He said the action signals an “ulterior motive” and described it as a political witch-hunt.
“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,” Frank said.
He also claimed that Tinubu is following a trend in parts of Africa where incumbents allegedly use state power to intimidate or eliminate opposition figures.
Frank added that Atiku’s vocal criticism of the administration likely makes him a target.
He further alleged that the President has strategically placed individuals from his ethnic group, the Yoruba, into top security positions to carry out political agendas.
Frank suggested that if the security withdrawal were genuinely about equal enforcement, police personnel should also be removed from the protection of the President, his family, and his close associates.
Since leaving office in 2007, Atiku has attempted multiple presidential bids but has yet to succeed.
While he has not publicly declared his candidacy for 2027, speculation continues about his political ambitions.
Frank’s comments highlight growing tensions around security, political opposition, and alleged state interference. Nigerians continue to watch developments closely, especially as the 2027 elections approach.