“Plot to Poison El-Rufai”: Timi Frank Alleges Assassination Plan, Demands US Intervention

ABUJA— Former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary Timi Frank has alleged there is a covert plot within parts of Nigeria’s security establishment to eliminate ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and called on the U.S. government and international observers to intervene.

In a statement issued Sunday, 17 May 2026, Frank said he received information from a “reliable source within the security agencies” claiming that some government and presidency appointees were orchestrating the plan.

“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.

“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 to guarantee El-Rufai’s safety, warning that any harm to the former governor after release would raise serious questions. He said the government, top appointees, and any judge who collaborated should be held responsible.

The activist also accused some judges of enabling prolonged detention through restrictive bail conditions. He claimed El-Rufai’s detention is politically motivated due to his influence and role in 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,” he said.

Frank said he supports the fight against corruption but insisted it must be fair and non-selective. He argued that El-Rufai’s case is widely seen as a witch-hunt, noting he has been in custody for over four months for allegations that are ordinarily bailable.

He contrasted El-Rufai’s treatment with that of other former governors, including Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Yahaya Bello, and Samuel Ortom, who he said face allegations but remain free and in some cases have received appointments.

Frank also alleged that businessman Tunde Ayeni is being targeted due to perceived political affiliations. He said Ayeni has been discharged by courts in previous EFCC cases but has been detained for about 30 days.

He called on the judiciary not to be used to suppress dissent, warning that misuse of state institutions could deepen public distrust and fuel perceptions of political repression. 

Frank urged the U.S. government, international observers, and human rights groups to monitor the situation. He said he would forward names of officials allegedly involved in harassment to international authorities and called for targeted sanctions, including visa restrictions, asset freezes, and financial sanctions.

There has been no public response yet from the ICPC, EFCC, or the presidency regarding the allegations.

Comrade Timi Frank is ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East and Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association, USA.