The Department of State Services has dismissed allegations by former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, that the agency was plotting to disrupt the party’s campaign rally in Sokoto State, maintaining that its personnel had continued to provide security for politicians across party affiliations.
The agency’s response followed claims by Atiku, who addressed journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, alleging that the DSS leadership was mobilising protesters to trigger unrest in Sokoto and create grounds for imposing a curfew that could prevent the opposition party from conducting its rally.
Atiku alleged that the protesters were being organised from an office located behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road, with trucks reportedly stationed at strategic points, including a roundabout.
He further claimed that the activities of the protesters had resulted in traffic congestion, intimidation of commuters and assaults on residents as part of an alleged effort to frustrate the ADC’s political activities.
The former vice president described the alleged involvement of security personnel in the mobilisation as an abuse of institutional authority and urged the DSS to maintain political neutrality. “This is not intelligence work. It is political interference dressed in official uniform,” he said.
He added, “Security agencies exist to protect Nigerians and uphold the law, not to recruit protesters or help a political party manufacture a crisis.”
However, the DSS, in a statement released on Tuesday night and signed by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, said it had taken note of Atiku’s allegations but maintained that its track record demonstrated its commitment to protecting members of all political parties.
As part of its response, the agency cited an incident involving Sokoto ADC governorship candidate, Mannir Daniya, who it said was rescued by its operatives following an attack on October 31, 2026.
According to the secret police, its personnel successfully evacuated Daniya from the scene without sustaining any injury. However, two DSS operatives were reportedly assaulted during the operation and remained under medical care at the time of the statement.
The agency further disclosed that Daniya personally contacted the State Director of the DSS in Sokoto to express appreciation for the intervention and subsequently requested additional security personnel.
The statement read, “For the records, DSS operatives deployed to Sokoto ADC Governorship Candidate, Mannir Daniya, evacuated him to safety unhurt on 31st October 2026 when attacked in Sokoto.
“Two DSS operatives were assaulted during the incident and are still being treated in the hospital. The governorship candidate called personally to appreciate the State Director of Sokoto Command and even requested for reinforcement from the DSS.”
The DSS also referred to its handling of a separate security case involving Monday Udeme Steven, who was arrested and prosecuted in Rivers State on March 2, 2026, over alleged threats to attack ADC presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The agency said Steven was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Rivers State and subsequently sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, presenting the case as further evidence of its efforts to safeguard opposition politicians.
While defending its conduct, the DSS argued that Atiku’s accusations were inconsistent with the risks its operatives had taken to protect political actors, regardless of their party affiliations.
The agency stated, “Though these operations to protect all political parties are at variance with the elder statesman’s allegation and tend to demoralise our gallant operatives who are risking their lives in the line of duty, the DGDSS has still ordered an investigation into the allegation in deference to the elder statesman.”
The secret police also brought up a previous allegation by African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who had accused the agency of being involved in an attack against him in Ekiti State.
It explained that the police had carried out a preliminary investigation into the incident, concluding that it resulted from an altercation. The investigation reportedly led to the arrest of 11 suspects.
The DSS said it was awaiting the conclusion of the police investigation and would not continue to devote resources to the controversy. It nevertheless reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability under its current leadership.
“The Service will continue to remain accountable under the present DG,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Atiku has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of deploying intimidation and bureaucratic restrictions to weaken opposition parties as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He alleged that the ADC had encountered deliberate obstacles in accessing public facilities designated for campaign activities, while logistical arrangements in Sokoto had also been disrupted. According to him, the alleged actions were intended to deny the opposition party equal opportunities to participate in the political process.
The former vice president also faulted the Federal Government over the continued increase in the prices of essential commodities and services, including food, transportation, fuel and electricity. He argued that the administration should concentrate on addressing the country’s economic challenges instead of allegedly creating difficulties for opposition parties.
Despite the alleged challenges, Atiku maintained that the ADC would not surrender its constitutional and political rights or allow intimidation to prevent it from engaging with voters.
He confirmed plans to travel to Sokoto on Wednesday to meet residents and address the political situation in the state.
“I will be in Sokoto tomorrow, God willing, to address the good people of the state,” he said.
Atiku also appealed to residents to maintain peace and avoid actions that could trigger violence, urging security agencies to guarantee the safety of commuters, community members and rally participants without favouring any political group.
