Former All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Timi Frank, has appealed to US President Donald Trump and the international community to intervene diplomatically over alleged threats to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general election.
Frank, in an open letter dated October 19, 2026, urged the United States, United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, European Union and United Kingdom to seek assurances from the Nigerian government on the safety and political freedom of opposition leaders.
He expressed concern over allegations of possible attempts to intimidate, arrest or detain Atiku, a leading opposition figure.
Frank called for an independent investigation, warning that any attempt to use security or law enforcement agencies to obstruct opposition candidates would undermine democracy.
“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.
He specifically raised concerns over the possibility that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) could be used to initiate proceedings against Atiku in circumstances that might lead to his arrest and prolonged detention during the election campaign.
Frank stressed, however, that Atiku should not be exempt from legitimate investigations.
“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 said.
He questioned what he described as the selective application of anti-corruption laws, arguing that the EFCC must investigate allegations impartially, regardless of political affiliation.
“If the government expects Nigerians to trust its anti-corruption institutions, those institutions must demonstrate that justice is neither partisan nor selective,” he said.
Frank also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the judiciary to demonstrate impartiality ahead of the 2027 elections.
He urged authorities to investigate allegations of political intimidation, restrictions on opposition campaigns and interference with electoral institutions.
He also referred to public statements attributed to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, which critics have interpreted as suggesting confidence in a predetermined electoral outcome.
Frank warned political leaders against statements that could undermine public confidence in the electoral 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.”
He urged international partners to support credible, independent election observation missions focusing on political violence, voter intimidation, campaign restrictions and the conduct of security agencies.
Frank said preventive diplomacy was necessary to address potential threats before they escalated into a political crisis.
“Preventive diplomacy is not merely desirable; it is a responsibility,” he said.
He stressed that his appeal was not an attempt to influence who should govern Nigeria but a call to protect Nigerians’ freedom to choose their leaders.
“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.”
Frank warned that electoral injustice could deepen public distrust, heighten political tensions and threaten national stability, with possible consequences for the wider West African region.
He urged the Federal Government to provide credible assurances regarding the safety of Atiku and other opposition figures.
“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.”
Frank signed the letter as Ambassador of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) for East Africa and the Middle East and Senior Adviser to the Global Friendship City Association in the United States.
The statement did not provide evidence of a specific plot against Atiku, and the allegations have not been independently substantiated.