Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has raised alarm over the withdrawal of police personnel from the security detail of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing it as a deliberate attempt to expose him to danger.
Frank made the allegation in a statement on Tuesday, reacting to the recent directive by President Bola Tinubu ordering police officers attached to VIPs across the country to return to their primary policing duties.
The directive, issued on November 23, led to the withdrawal of officers assigned to several high-profile individuals, including Atiku, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former First Lady Aisha Buhari, and 17 others.
According to Frank, the move is unprecedented and suspicious, especially considering Atiku’s long-standing role as a key opposition figure.
“No administration since 2007 has ever tampered with Atiku Abubakar’s security,” he argued.
“Why now, at a time when insecurity is rising nationwide? This action clearly reveals an ulterior motive.”
He alleged that the withdrawal was part of a broader scheme to “isolate and eliminate” Atiku ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the former vice president is legally entitled to police protection.
Frank also accused President Tinubu of following a troubling political pattern he claims has taken root in parts of Africa, where leaders use state institutions to intimidate or suppress opposition politicians.
He argued that the removal of Atiku’s security is a continuation of this alleged trend.
“President Tinubu is now towing the same path where incumbents silence their critics using state power.”
“Atiku has consistently spoken about the failures of this administration, and this action is nothing short of political persecution,” he said.
Frank further alleged ethnic bias in recent security appointments, claiming the President is positioning loyalists to carry out “political assignments.”
He challenged the administration to extend the security withdrawal to the President’s associates, family members, and appointees if the directive was truly neutral.
Atiku, who has contested for the presidency multiple times since leaving office in 2007, has not formally declared interest in the 2027 race, though speculations continue regarding his political future.
