KEY POINTS
- DSS denies Atiku’s allegation of plans to disrupt the ADC rally in Sokoto.
- Agency says its operatives protected an ADC candidate during an attack.
- DSS orders investigation into Atiku’s allegation as police probe the Ekiti attack on Sowore.
The Department of State Services, DSS, has denied allegations by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar that its leadership is recruiting protesters to disrupt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign rally in Sokoto State ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
Atiku, the ADC’s presidential candidate for the election, had accused the secret police of mobilising protesters to create disorder in the state, potentially prompting the government to impose a curfew and preventing the opposition party from holding its planned campaign activities.
In response, the DSS maintained that its operatives had been providing security for politicians across party lines, including opposition figures. The agency said its recent actions contradicted the allegation that it was working to undermine the ADC’s political activities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and signed by Favour Dozie, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at the DSS National Headquarters in Abuja, the Service said its Director-General had nevertheless ordered an investigation into Atiku’s claims.
The agency described the allegation as inconsistent with its operations but said it would examine the matter out of respect for the former vice-president.
DSS Says Operatives Rescued Sokoto ADC Candidate
To support its position, the DSS cited an incident on October 31, 2026, when its operatives reportedly evacuated Mannir Daniya, the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, to safety during an attack.
According to the agency, Daniya escaped unharmed, but two DSS operatives were assaulted during the incident and remained in hospital receiving treatment at the time of the statement.
The Service added that Daniya personally contacted the DSS State Director in Sokoto to express appreciation for the intervention and request additional security reinforcement.
The agency presented the incident as evidence that its personnel were protecting opposition politicians rather than conspiring to disrupt their activities.
The DSS said allegations suggesting otherwise could undermine the morale of officers who risk their lives to protect political actors and maintain public safety.
The DSS also referred to its handling of a separate case involving threats against Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).
The Service said it arrested Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State on March 2, 2026, over alleged threats to attack Obi.
According to the agency, Steven was subsequently prosecuted before a Federal High Court in Rivers State and sentenced to two years in prison.
The DSS cited the case as another example of its efforts to protect politicians, regardless of their party affiliations.
The Service also addressed allegations by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, who accused security operatives of involvement in an attack on him in Ekiti State.
The DSS said it was awaiting the outcome of the police investigation into the incident and referred to a preliminary police report that attributed the violence to an altercation.
According to the agency, the police had arrested 11 suspects in connection with the incident.
