The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has denied allegations of a plot to assassinate former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Dele Alake, spokesperson for the APC Campaign Council, made the denial while reacting to the allegation raised by Timi Frank, a member of the ADC.

The council urged Frank to submit any evidence in his possession to the relevant law enforcement agencies for investigation, stressing that any credible threat to life must be treated seriously, irrespective of political affiliation.

It categorically denied any involvement by President Bola Tinubu, the Presidency or the APC in an alleged plot targeting Atiku or any other opposition figure.

The council also dismissed reports that security personnel attached to the former vice-president had been withdrawn, insisting that Atiku remained protected by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to the statement, President Tinubu recently directed security agencies to strengthen security arrangements for all presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reacting to the political implications of the allegation, Alake described the assassination claims as “typical opposition rabble-rousing”, accusing those behind them of attempting to heighten political tension and attract international attention through social media.

“Let our political competition be peaceful, lawful, and focused on the big issues that matter to Nigerians, not character assassination or wild, baseless allegations,” the statement read.

The APC Campaign Council further highlighted Tinubu’s longstanding experience in opposition politics, urging candidates, political parties and their supporters to remain factual and responsible in their public statements.

It called on political actors to uphold democratic values and ensure that the build-up to the 2027 general elections remains peaceful, lawful and focused on issues affecting Nigerians.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to respond to a suit seeking to compel the release of records of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

Justice Salim Ibrahim gave the order when the matter came up for hearing.

The Incorporated Trustees of Pathway to Equity and Charity Foundation had filed the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1812/2026.

The group prayed the court to compel the NYSC to disclose documents supporting the minister’s claim that he completed the mandatory one-year national service.

The foundation also sought an order of mandamus directing the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the 2nd respondent, to produce records showing that the minister did his primary assignment at the FCTA.

When the case was called, counsel to the applicant, Chief Solomon Akuma, SAN, told the court he was ready to proceed with the hearing.

However, Abiola Olaniji, who appeared for the minister, said he had filed an application for Tunji-Ojo to be joined as the 3rd respondent.

Olaniji said the applicant (foundation) had responded with a counter affidavit raising serious issues, to which he needed time to reply.

The lawyer stated that the minister was ready to take part in the proceedings as an interested party.

But Akuma opposed the application, arguing that the minister was not a proper party.

He said the suit only sought an order of mandamus compelling the respondents (NYSC and FCTA) to produce documents that are not in the minister’s custody.

Justice Ibrahim directed the minister to file and serve his reply to the applicant’s counter affidavit, which opposed his application to be joined as a party in the suit before the next hearing date.

The judge then adjourned the matter until Oct. 18 for hearing.

The applicant had sought from the NYSC the mobilisation or call-up letter issued to Tunji-Ojo in 2006 or any other year; the posting letter to the FCTA in 2006 or any other year; and his application for mobilisation.

It also sought the evidence of approval of his remobilisation by the NYSC’s Director-General; evidence of payment of allowances to him; the record of his Community Development Service and his discharge certificate.

The foundation equally sought from the FCTA, the mobilisation or call-up letter, the posting letter, his attendance record during the service year, evidence of any allowance paid to him, among others.

It said the application was brought under Section 14 of the Federal High Court Act, Order 34 Rules 1, 2 and 5 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019.

It also cited Sections 20, 21 and 25 of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011.

(NAN)

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has advised Nigerians residing in the United Kingdom to stop sending money to people who seek financial help at home.

Obi also advised them to urge their relatives to vote for productive leaders.

He made the remarks at a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Sunday.

He stressed that Nigeria’s prevailing economic hardship resulted from bad leadership, arguing that continuous financial assistance only cushions the effects of poor governance without addressing the root causes.

“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” he said.

The former Anambra State governor insisted that his record in public office distinguished him from other governors, claiming none of them matched his achievements in saving public funds.

“I’m not saying I’m a saint, but I saved money. I’ve not seen one governor who has saved 10 per cent of what I saved. No governor has done it.

“Let’s start with this one that is less corrupt. That’s how other countries change.”

He maintained that his conversations with the people reinforced the need for collective responsibility, stressing that building a new Nigeria would require citizens to take an active role in addressing challenges facing the country.

Obi also urged Nigerians to take the 2027 election seriously, describing the contest as a critical moment for the nation.