A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, has alleged that there are clandestine moves within sections of the nation’s security architecture to eliminate former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai.
Frank also called for the immediate release of businessman, Tunde Ayeni, while urging the international community to sanction officials allegedly involved in suppressing democratic freedoms.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Frank claimed he received information from a source within the security agencies alleging that some government officials were plotting against el-Rufai.
According to him, the alleged plan involved administering a harmful substance to the former governor before releasing him from detention.
“I received a troubling call from a reliable source within the security agencies alleging that there are plots to eliminate Nasir el-Rufai — a strategic plan allegedly orchestrated by top appointees within the government and the presidency,” Frank said.
“According to the information, he may be administered a harmful substance and thereafter released so that any eventual death would not occur in custody.”
He urged security agencies and relevant authorities to ensure the safety of the former governor, warning that any harm suffered by el-Rufai after his release would raise serious concerns.
Frank further alleged that some judicial officers were aiding prolonged detention through stringent bail conditions and denial of bail.
“There are also allegations that some judges have agreed to participate in the illegal detention of these individuals by ensuring they are either denied bail or subjected to excessively stringent bail conditions,” he alleged.
The political activist claimed that el-Rufai’s ordeal was politically motivated because of his influence and role in the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election.
“They understand el-Rufai’s political relevance, influence, and what he knows, especially considering that he was part of the political structure that worked towards the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the last election,” he stated.
While expressing support for anti-corruption efforts, Frank insisted that investigations and prosecutions must not be selective or politically driven.
“I support the fight against corruption, but it must be fair, balanced, and free from political witch-hunts,” he said.
He questioned why some former governors facing corruption allegations were allegedly being treated differently from el-Rufai.
Frank cited former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, alongside former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Yahaya Bello and Samuel Ortom, alleging that despite corruption allegations against them, they remained free.
He also alleged that anti-graft agencies were engaging in selective prosecution and political intimidation targeting both el-Rufai and Ayeni.
According to him, Ayeni had previously been discharged by courts in cases instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
“Tunde Ayeni is a businessman, not a politician. His experience appears to many as a witch-hunt designed to weaken him because of his perceived support for the opposition,” Frank alleged.
He further urged the judiciary not to allow itself to be used as a tool for political intimidation, warning that abuse of state institutions could deepen public distrust in democracy and heighten tensions in the country.
Frank also raised concerns over election integrity, alleging that opposition figures in Nigeria were increasingly being intimidated ahead of future elections.
He called on the United States government, international observers and global human rights organisations to closely monitor developments in Nigeria and intervene where necessary.
“As part of the broader international response, I call for targeted sanctions against any officials found to be involved in abuses directed at opposition figures or the suppression of democratic freedoms,” he added.
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