Timi Frank alleges threat to El-Rufai’s life, demands Ayeni’s release

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has alleged an alleged plot within sections of the security establishment to eliminate former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, while also calling for the immediate release of businessman Tunde Ayeni.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Frank claimed he received intelligence from what he described as a “reliable source within the security agencies” indicating that certain top government appointees were orchestrating a plan against El-Rufai.

According to him, the alleged plan involves administering a harmful substance to the former governor before releasing him from detention, so that any eventual death would not occur while in custody.

“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.

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He urged security agencies and relevant authorities to guarantee El-Rufai’s safety, warning that any harm suffered after his release would raise grave concerns.

Frank further alleged that some judicial officers were complicit in what he described as prolonged detention through stringent bail conditions and denial of bail in cases involving El-Rufai and others.

The political activist argued that El-Rufai’s detention was politically motivated, citing his influence and role in the political structure that supported the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023.

“They understand El-Rufai’s political relevance, influence, and what he knows, especially considering that he was part of the political structure that worked toward the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Frank stated.

While affirming his support for anti-corruption efforts, Frank insisted that investigations must be fair and not selective.

“I support the fight against corruption, but it must be fair, balanced, and free from political witch-hunts,” he said, describing El-Rufai’s case as widely perceived by his supporters as politically driven.

Frank also questioned what he described as disparities in the treatment of former governors facing corruption allegations, referencing cases involving Ifeanyi Okowa, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Yahaya Bello, and Samuel Ortom, whom he said had faced allegations at various times but continued to participate in political activities.

On Ayeni, Frank alleged that the businessman was being targeted despite previous court rulings in his favour in cases brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He claimed Ayeni’s continued incarceration, which he put at about 30 days, was linked to perceived political affiliations and business rivalries.

Frank cautioned the judiciary against being used as an instrument to suppress dissenting voices and warned that alleged abuse of state institutions could erode public trust in democratic governance.

He also raised concerns about election integrity, alleging that there were fears among citizens about the possible misuse of state institutions to intimidate opposition figures ahead of future elections.

Drawing parallels with political trends in parts of Africa, Frank claimed that harassment and intimidation of opposition figures during election periods had become common across the continent.

Consequently, he called on the United States government, international observers, and global human rights organisations to closely monitor developments in Nigeria.

Frank, who also serves as Ambassador of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) to East Africa and the Middle East, said he would forward names of officials allegedly involved in acts of intimidation to international authorities.

He further advocated targeted sanctions — including visa restrictions and asset freezes — against any officials found culpable of undermining democratic freedoms.

As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official response from the Federal Government, security agencies, or the individuals mentioned in relation to Frank’s allegations.