The Department of State Services (DSS) has dismissed claims by African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, alleging that the secret police hired protesters to disrupt his scheduled campaign rally in Sokoto State.
The response followed a press conference where the former Vice President accused the DSS management of conspiring to assemble paid demonstrators to obstruct political activities by the ADC.
Atiku alleged that the security agency planned to orchestrate street disorder across Sokoto to create grounds for the government to declare a curfew and abort the campaign launch.
DSS Defends Non-Partisan Record
In a statement released by DSS Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the service rejected the claims as entirely false, maintaining that its officers provide security protection across party lines.
To counter the allegations of political bias, the agency highlighted recent operational interventions aimed at protecting opposition figures:
Operatives deployed to the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, evacuated him unhurt during an attack. Two DSS officers sustained injuries during the incident and remain hospitalized.
On March 2, 2026, operatives apprehended a suspect, Monday Udeme Steven, in Rivers State for threatening NDC Presidential Candidate Peter Obi. The suspect was subsequently prosecuted and sentenced to two years in prison by a Federal High Court.
Responding to separate accusations by AAC Presidential Candidate Omoyele Sowore regarding an attack in Ekiti State, the DSS noted that police investigations led to an initial finding of an “altercation” and the arrest of 11 suspects.
The agency stated that despite the unverified nature of Atiku’s claims, Director-General Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi has ordered an internal probe out of respect for the former Vice President’s status as an elder statesman.
”Though these operations to protect all political parties are at variance with the elder statesman’s allegation and tend to demoralize our gallant operatives risking their lives in the line of duty, the DG DSS has still ordered an investigation into the allegation in deference to the elder statesman,” the statement read.
Atiku detailed reports alleging that demonstrators were being gathered near a commercial location along Koko Road in Sokoto and transported in trucks to major roundabouts to obstruct traffic and intimidate residents.
”This is not intelligence work. It is political interference dressed in official uniform,” Atiku said, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of attempting to weaken opposition parties.
He also accused the Sokoto State Government of denying the ADC access to public venues and withholding logistical support.
Despite the friction, Atiku confirmed his commitment to proceeding with the rally and urged his supporters to remain peaceful and refrain from violence.
