SOKOTO/ABUJA, Nigeria — The Department of State Services (DSS) has rejected allegations by former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, that the agency was recruiting protesters to disrupt his party’s campaign activities in Sokoto State, announcing an investigation into the claim as the opposition candidate arrived in the state for his presidential campaign flag-off.
The controversy has raised fresh concerns about the neutrality of security institutions and the protection of opposition political activities ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Atiku made the allegations during a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, November 3, accusing the Sokoto State Government and security operatives of creating obstacles to the ADC’s campaign activities.
He specifically accused the DSS leadership of mobilising protesters to cause disorder and provide a justification for imposing a curfew that could prevent the party’s rally from taking place.
The DSS subsequently denied the allegation, describing it as inconsistent with its activities and its responsibility to protect political actors across party lines.
Atiku Alleges Planned Protest to Stop ADC Campaign
According to Atiku, the ADC had encountered difficulties securing public facilities and logistical support for its campaign activities in Sokoto.
He alleged that the situation was deliberate and intended to deny the opposition party a level playing field.
More seriously, the former Vice-President claimed that the DSS was recruiting people to stage protests in the state.
He identified an office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road as one of the locations where the alleged protesters were assembled.
Atiku further claimed that trucks were stationed at strategic locations and deployed to different parts of the city to create congestion and disorder.
He alleged that some commuters had been threatened and beaten.
Describing the alleged activities as political interference, Atiku said security agencies should protect Nigerians and uphold the law rather than participate in partisan activities.
He warned that the ADC would resist attempts to prevent it from exercising its constitutional right to campaign.
The allegations have not been independently substantiated, and no publicly available evidence reviewed for this report establishes that the DSS organised the alleged protests.
DSS Rejects Allegation, Orders Investigation
In its response, the DSS said it was surprised by Atiku’s allegation, particularly because its operatives had recently provided security protection to the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto, Mannir Dan’iya.
According to a statement signed by Favour Dozie, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, DSS operatives evacuated Dan’iya to safety during an attack on October 31.
The agency said two of its operatives were assaulted during the incident and remained hospitalised as of the statement.
It added that Dan’iya subsequently contacted the State Director of the DSS in Sokoto to express appreciation for the intervention and request additional security reinforcement.
The service argued that its actions demonstrated its commitment to protecting politicians regardless of party affiliation.
However, the DSS said its Director-General had ordered an investigation into Atiku’s allegation.
The decision, according to the agency, was taken out of respect for the former Vice-President.
The statement was published on November 3 and reproduced by Voice of Nigeria on November 4.
Atiku Arrives in Sokoto Despite Controversy
Despite the dispute, Atiku arrived at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport in Sokoto at approximately 1 p.m. on Wednesday.
He was accompanied by members of his campaign team and received by several political figures, including his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi; former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal; former minister Abubakar Malami; and other ADC leaders.
Reported show that thousands of supporters had gathered around the party’s secretariat and adjoining roads to welcome the presidential candidate.
Some supporters alleged that personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and the State Community Guard Corps had been mobilised to restrict access to parts of the town.
Those allegations were attributed to party supporters and have not been independently established.
The arrival nevertheless demonstrated that the controversy had not prevented Atiku from travelling to the state for the scheduled campaign event.
Sokoto Government Gives Its Own Explanation
The dispute also involves the closure of an ADC campaign office and allegations that hotels were pressured to deny accommodation to opposition supporters.
The Sokoto State Government has rejected allegations that it directed hotels not to accommodate ADC delegates.
Commissioner for Information Sambo Danchadi described the hotel-related allegation as unsubstantiated and said the government had no reason to interfere with private hotel operations.
Regarding the sealed ADC campaign office, Commissioner for Lands and Housing Nasiru Dantsoho said the government acted after reviewing documents indicating that the building was originally registered to the defunct Savannah Bank.
He said the government had contacted the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation for clarification of the property’s present ownership.
The commissioner maintained that the premises were sealed to prevent further disturbances while the ownership question was being resolved.
The ADC, however, has maintained that the restrictions form part of a broader pattern of political intimidation.
The competing explanations have not been resolved through an independent investigation. QNC News
Political Neutrality Ahead of 2027
The controversy comes at a sensitive period as Nigerian political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The role of security agencies in protecting political gatherings, candidates and supporters will be crucial to ensuring a credible electoral environment.
The Constitution guarantees freedom of association and peaceful assembly, while electoral and security institutions are expected to operate without partisan discrimination.
Allegations of political intimidation, whether involving state authorities, political parties or security agencies, require credible investigation rather than assumptions or political conclusions.
The DSS investigation will therefore be important in determining whether any of the allegations against the service have substance.
Equally important is ensuring that the opposition and ruling parties enjoy equal protection under the law.
Developing Story
At the roundup cut-off, the DSS had confirmed that an investigation had been ordered, but no findings had been released.
Atiku’s arrival in Sokoto was confirmed, but the final outcome of the campaign event and the full circumstances surrounding the alleged mobilisation of protesters remained under observation.
