Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, has called on United States President Donald Trump and other world leaders to intervene diplomatically over alleged threats to the safety and political participation of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Frank, in an open letter to Trump and other international leaders on Monday, expressed concern over reports of possible intimidation, arrest or detention of Atiku, who is associated with the African Democratic Congress, warning that such actions could undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.
He urged the United States, United Nations, African Union, Economic Community of West African States, European Union and the United Kingdom to engage the Federal Government and seek assurances on the safety of opposition leaders.
Frank, who serves as an ambassador of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua to East Africa and the Middle East, said allegations of plans to target Atiku and other opposition figures required urgent and independent investigation.
He specifically raised concerns over the possibility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission being used to initiate proceedings that could lead to Atiku’s arrest and prolonged detention during the election campaign. However, he maintained that his position was not to shield politicians from legitimate investigations but to prevent law enforcement agencies from being used for political persecution.
“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.
Frank also questioned the perceived selective application of anti-corruption laws, insisting that the EFCC and other public institutions must investigate allegations impartially, regardless of political affiliation or an individual’s closeness to the presidency.
On the 2027 elections, the activist urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and the judiciary to demonstrate neutrality, warning that alleged restrictions on opposition campaigns, political intimidation and interference with electoral institutions could erode public confidence in the process.
He also cited remarks attributed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, which critics have interpreted as suggesting confidence in a predetermined electoral outcome. Frank called for restraint in political statements, insisting that no party or public official should give the impression that the outcome of an election had already been decided.
He urged international partners to support credible election observation missions, particularly to monitor political violence, voter intimidation, campaign restrictions and the conduct of security agencies. He added that early diplomatic engagement was necessary to prevent tensions from escalating into a wider political crisis.
Frank stressed that his appeal was not an attempt to influence who would govern Nigeria but a call for safeguards to protect the electorate’s right to choose its leaders freely.
“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, warning that failure to address the concerns could deepen public distrust and threaten national stability.
