Timi Frank Appeals To Trump Over Alleged Threats To Atiku Ahead Of 2027 Elections
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has appealed to United States President Donald Trump and the international community to intervene diplomatically over alleged threats to the life, liberty and political participation of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Frank made the appeal in an open letter addressed to Trump and other international leaders on Monday, expressing concern over reports of alleged plans to intimidate, arrest, detain or otherwise frustrate Atiku’s participation in the electoral process.
Atiku, a prominent opposition figure and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has emerged as a key player in political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
Frank called on the United States, United Nations, African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom to engage the Nigerian government and seek credible assurances on the safety of opposition leaders.
He argued that the allegations surrounding Atiku’s safety and the possible use of state institutions against opposition figures warranted urgent and independent investigation.
“These allegations must be independently and urgently investigated. Given their gravity, however, they cannot be dismissed or ignored until it is too late to prevent harm,” he said.
Frank specifically expressed concern over allegations that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) could be used to initiate proceedings against Atiku in circumstances that might result in his arrest and prolonged detention during the election campaign.
He, however, clarified that his position was not that Atiku or any other politician should be exempt from legitimate investigations, insisting that law enforcement agencies must operate independently and in accordance with due process.
“The concern is not that Atiku Abubakar should be placed above the law. The concern is that the law must never be placed at the service of political persecution,” he stated.
The activist also questioned what he described as the perceived selective application of anti-corruption laws, arguing that public confidence in the EFCC and other institutions depended on their ability to investigate allegations impartially, irrespective of political affiliation.
According to him, no public official or political associate should be shielded from legitimate scrutiny because of proximity to the presidency.
Frank maintained that Atiku’s criticism of government policies and participation in debates on governance and accountability were legitimate aspects of democracy that should not attract intimidation or threats.
Raises Alarm Over 2027 Elections
Beyond Atiku’s safety, Frank raised concerns about the credibility of the 2027 general elections, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the judiciary to demonstrate impartiality in carrying out their responsibilities.
He called for independent investigations into allegations of opposition intimidation, restrictions on political campaigns and interference with electoral institutions before they escalate into a broader crisis.
Frank also referenced public statements attributed to prominent political figures, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, which critics have interpreted as suggesting confidence in a predetermined electoral outcome.
He urged political leaders to exercise restraint in their public statements, warning that rhetoric suggesting the outcome of an election had already been settled could undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
“No political party or public official has the authority to predetermine the will of the Nigerian people,” he said.
“Elections must be won through the ballot, not through intimidation, institutional manipulation, or declarations that suggest the outcome has been settled in advance.”
Frank further urged the international community to support credible and independent election observation missions in Nigeria, with particular attention to political violence, voter intimidation, campaign restrictions, the conduct of security agencies and transparency in the electoral process.
He stressed that preventive diplomacy was necessary to address potential threats to democratic stability before they developed into a major political crisis.
Frank said his appeal was not an attempt to influence who should govern Nigeria, but a call for safeguards that would allow Nigerians to determine their political future freely.
“I am not asking the United States or any foreign government to determine who should govern Nigeria. That decision belongs exclusively to the Nigerian people,” he said.
“I am asking the international community to help ensure that Nigerians retain the freedom to make that decision without fear, coercion, or unlawful interference.”
He warned that electoral injustice could deepen public distrust, heighten political tensions and threaten national stability, with possible consequences for the wider West African region.
Frank urged the Federal Government to provide credible assurances regarding the safety of Atiku and other opposition figures, while calling on international partners to intensify diplomatic engagement ahead of the elections.
“The protection of Atiku Abubakar’s life and liberty, the safety of all opposition leaders, and the integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 elections must be treated as urgent democratic priorities,” he said.
He added: “The world must not wait for a tragedy before it acts.”
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