Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, has urged United States President Donald Trump and international organisations to press the Nigerian government for assurances over the safety of opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Frank made the appeal in an open letter dated Monday, October 19, 2026, expressing concern over alleged plans to intimidate, arrest or detain former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate.

He called on the United States, United Nations, African Union, Economic Community of West African States, European Union and United Kingdom to engage the Federal Government diplomatically over the allegations.

Frank also called for an independent investigation into claims that state institutions could be deployed against opposition figures.

“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 about the possibility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission being used to initiate proceedings against Atiku in circumstances that could lead to his arrest and prolonged detention during the election campaign.

Frank, however, said his position was not that Atiku should be exempt from legitimate investigations, but that law enforcement agencies must operate independently and without political interference.

“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 urged the Federal Government to ensure that investigations involving opposition politicians were supported by credible evidence and conducted in accordance with due process.

Frank also questioned the perceived selective application of anti-corruption laws, arguing that public confidence in the EFCC depended on its ability to investigate allegations impartially, regardless of political affiliation.

Beyond Atiku’s safety, the activist called for safeguards to protect the credibility of the 2027 elections, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and the judiciary to demonstrate impartiality.

He said allegations of political intimidation, restrictions on opposition campaigns and interference with electoral institutions should be independently investigated before they escalated.

Frank also referred to statements attributed to prominent political figures, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, which critics have interpreted as suggesting confidence in a predetermined election outcome.

He called for responsible political rhetoric, warning that statements creating the impression that election results had already been settled could undermine public confidence.

“No political party or public official has the authority to predetermine the will of the Nigerian people,” he said.

Frank further urged international partners to support credible, independent election observation missions, with attention to political violence, voter intimidation, campaign restrictions, the conduct of security agencies and electoral transparency.

He said his appeal was not intended to influence who would govern Nigeria but to ensure that voters could freely determine the country’s political future.

“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.

Frank warned that electoral injustice could deepen public distrust, heighten political tensions and threaten national stability, with implications for the wider West African region.

He urged the government to provide assurances over the safety of Atiku and other opposition figures, adding that international partners should intensify diplomatic engagement before the elections.

“The world must not wait for a tragedy before it acts,” he said.