Frank Expresses Fears Over El-Rufai’s Safety, Demands Immediate Release Of Ayeni

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has alleged that there were covert plans within sections of Nigeria’s security establishment to hurt 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 information from what he described as a “reliable source within the security agencies” alleging that some officials within government circles were plotting against El-Rufai.

“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 stated.

“According to the information, he may be administered a harmful substance and thereafter released so that any eventual death would not occur in custody.”

Frank urged security agencies and relevant authorities to ensure the safety of the former governor, warning that any harm suffered by El-Rufai after release from detention would raise serious concerns.

“This alleged plan must be stopped immediately. I must clearly state that if anything happens to El-Rufai, even after his release from detention, the government, top appointees involved, and any judge who may have collaborated in the process should be held responsible,” he said.

The political activist also alleged that some judicial officers were participating in what he described as prolonged detention through restrictive bail conditions.

“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 added.

Frank argued that El-Rufai’s continued detention was politically motivated because of his influence and role 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 toward the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the last election,” he said.

While expressing support for anti-corruption efforts, Frank insisted that investigations and prosecutions must not be selective.

“I must state that I support the fight against corruption, but it must be fair, balanced, and free from political witch-hunts,” he stated.

“El-Rufai’s case is widely perceived as a witch-hunt, as he has remained incarcerated for over four months for allegations that are ordinarily bailable offences. Meanwhile, in other cases involving politically exposed persons, suspects reportedly walk in and out of the EFCC as a mere formality.”

Frank questioned why some former governors facing corruption allegations were allegedly treated differently.

“Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who was accused of massive financial misconduct allegedly running into trillions, is presently contesting elections freely for the position of Senator after aligning with the ruling party.

“Is El-Rufai the only former governor in Nigeria?

“What happened to the cases involving former governors such as Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Yahaya Bello, and Samuel Ortom, all of whom at different times faced allegations concerning public funds, yet continue to move freely, with some even receiving appointments?” he asked.

Frank further alleged that anti-corruption agencies were engaging in “selective prosecution and political intimidation” targeting both El-Rufai and former chairman of defunct Skye Bank, Tunde Ayeni.

“For instance, Tunde Ayeni has been discharged by the courts in previous cases brought against him by the EFCC. There are concerns that he is being targeted because of perceived political affiliations and sympathy for the opposition,” he said.

“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.

“Friends and business associates who have suddenly become close to government officials are behind his incarceration, which has now lasted for about 30 days.”

Frank urged the judiciary not to become an instrument for suppressing dissenting voices.

“Our judiciary must not allow itself to be used as an instrument of intimidation against those who hold differing political opinions,” he stated.

He warned that alleged abuse of state institutions could deepen public distrust in democratic governance and intensify concerns about political repression.

“If this pattern continues, it could further deepen public distrust, tension, and perceptions of dictatorship and illegality within the system. Our anti-graft agencies, such as the ICPC and EFCC, must avoid actions capable of setting the country on edge.”

Frank also expressed concern about election integrity and the treatment of opposition figures ahead of future elections.

“There are also growing concerns among Nigerians regarding election integrity. Many citizens fear the possible misuse of state institutions, intimidation of opposition voices, suppression of dissent, politically motivated prosecutions, voter suppression tactics, and lack of transparency in the electoral process,” he said.

“Election credibility is essential not only for democracy but also for national stability and conflict prevention. When citizens lose faith in democratic processes, instability, extremism, and social unrest often increase.”

According to him, intimidation of opposition figures during elections had become common in several African countries.

“It has become a recurring pattern in parts of Africa that, during elections, opposition figures are harassed, intimidated, or unlawfully targeted. Many Nigerians now fear that similar strategies are being deployed against opposition voices in Nigeria.”

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, therefore, called on the United States government, international observers, and global human rights groups to closely monitor developments in Nigeria.

“It is for this reason that I call on the United States government, the international community, and global human rights organizations to pay close attention and intervene where necessary to protect Nigerians from intimidation, harassment, and abuse of state power,” he said.

He also alleged that some government and security officials had participated in acts of intimidation against opposition figures and vowed to submit names to international authorities.

“Let me also put on record that I am aware that certain persons within government and security agencies have allegedly been involved in acts of harassment, intimidation, and suppression against opposition figures and ordinary Nigerians. Their names will be forwarded to relevant international authorities, including the United States government, as soon as practicable.”

Frank further called for international sanctions against any officials found culpable in undermining democratic freedoms.

“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. Such measures may include visa restrictions, asset freezes, and financial sanctions,” he added.