Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Sokoto State Government of allegedly plotting to disrupt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign rally in the state through the mobilisation of protesters and deliberate security disturbances.
Atiku made the allegation on Tuesday during a news conference in Abuja, where he accused the authorities of frustrating the opposition party's preparations by denying it access to public facilities and logistical support ahead of its planned rally.
The ADC presidential candidate alleged that the DSS was recruiting protesters to cause disturbances, create traffic gridlock and provoke a security situation that could provide grounds for imposing a curfew and stopping the rally.
He identified an office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road in Sokoto as one of the locations where the alleged protesters were assembled.
According to him, trucks were being used to transport protesters to strategic locations, including a roundabout, while commuters were allegedly being threatened and assaulted.
“These are not harmless administrative delays. They are deliberate attempts to deny the ADC a level playing field,” Atiku said.
He accused security operatives allegedly involved in the mobilisation of abandoning their professional responsibilities for political interests, insisting that security agencies should protect citizens rather than interfere in democratic activities.
“This is not intelligence work. It is political interference dressed in official uniform,” he declared.
However, the DSS has ordered an investigation into the allegations, despite describing them as inconsistent with its operations.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Service said its Director-General directed the probe in deference to Atiku, while maintaining that its operatives had consistently provided security protection to political figures across party lines.
The agency cited its intervention during an attack on ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, on October 31, 2026, saying its operatives evacuated him to safety.
It added that two of its personnel were assaulted during the incident and were still receiving medical treatment.
The DSS further claimed that Daniya personally contacted the Sokoto State Director of the Service to appreciate the intervention and subsequently requested additional security reinforcement.
The agency also cited the arrest and prosecution of Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State over threats against New Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi. According to the DSS, Steven was sentenced to two years' imprisonment.
It also referenced allegations by African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over an attack in Ekiti State, noting that a preliminary police report attributed the incident to an altercation and that 11 suspects had been arrested.
The Service warned that allegations questioning its neutrality could undermine the morale of personnel risking their lives to protect political actors.
Beyond the Sokoto controversy, Atiku accused President Bola Tinubu's administration of attempting to weaken opposition parties by encouraging defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He warned that the alleged strategy could undermine multiparty democracy and leave the country with little meaningful opposition.
“The aim is to reduce Nigeria to a one-party state in all but name,” he said.
Atiku also criticised the Federal Government's handling of the economy, citing rising food, transportation, fuel and electricity costs as evidence of the hardship confronting Nigerians.
He said the ADC would prioritise local production, food security, employment generation and reducing the cost of doing business if elected in 2027.
Among the proposed policies, he identified a targeted production subsidy linked to fuel refined in Nigeria, which he said would support domestic industries while easing the burden on consumers.
The former Vice President further alleged that the APC had resorted to intimidation following what he described as disappointing attendance at its recent rally in Kaduna.
Despite the controversy, Atiku insisted that the ADC would not be intimidated or prevented from exercising its constitutional right to campaign.
He confirmed that he would personally attend the Sokoto rally on Wednesday and urged residents to remain peaceful while calling on security agencies to guarantee the safety of participants and other members of the public.
“Our campaign will proceed, and I will be in Sokoto tomorrow, God willing, to address the good people of the state,” he said.
He warned that security officers found to have participated in any unlawful attempt to restrict political activities would be held accountable under the law.
The DSS investigation and Atiku's determination to proceed with the rally have placed Sokoto at the centre of a growing political controversy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku Accuses DSS of Plot to Disrupt ADC Rally in Sokoto as Agency Orders Probe
