Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the Department of State Services, DSS, of recruiting protesters to create disorder in Sokoto State ahead of the party’s presidential campaign flag-off scheduled for Wednesday, November 4.
Atiku made the allegation on Tuesday during a press briefing, claiming that the alleged mobilisation was intended to provoke unrest and provide the APC-led Sokoto State Government with an excuse to impose a curfew and prevent the ADC campaign from holding.
The former vice president identified an office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road as an alleged assembly point, claiming that trucks were being used to transport protesters to strategic locations, including a roundabout.
He further alleged that the protesters were causing traffic congestion, threatening commuters and assaulting some residents.
Atiku described the alleged involvement of security operatives in political activities as unacceptable, insisting that security agencies have a constitutional responsibility to protect citizens and remain impartial.
He also accused the state government of denying the ADC access to public facilities and withholding logistical support required for its campaign activities.
The allegations come amid rising tension between the ADC and the Sokoto State Government following the sealing of an ADC campaign office over a dispute concerning ownership of the property.
Atiku, however, insisted that the party would not abandon its campaign plans, declaring that he would be in Sokoto on Wednesday to address supporters.
He called on residents to remain peaceful and urged security agencies to protect commuters, residents and campaign participants without political bias.
The allegations against the DSS have not been independently verified. As of Tuesday, the agency had not publicly responded to the specific claims.
The development raises fresh concerns about political tensions and the freedom of opposition parties to organise campaign activities ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
