Atiku Accuses DSS of Mobilising Protesters to Disrupt ADC Campaign Flag-Off in Sokoto
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused the leadership of the Department of State Services (DSS) of recruiting protesters to disrupt the party’s presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto.
Atiku made the allegation on Tuesday in a statement issued ahead of the ADC presidential campaign flag-off scheduled for November 4 in Sokoto.
He described the unfolding situation in the state as a deliberate attempt to frustrate the opposition party, obstruct its campaign and undermine Nigerians’ democratic right to choose their leaders.
The former vice president alleged that public facilities had been denied to the ADC and logistical support withheld, accusing authorities of creating obstacles to prevent the party from enjoying a level playing field.
Atiku further claimed that the DSS leadership was mobilising protesters to create disorder, potentially providing the state government with grounds to impose a curfew and stop the campaign rally.
According to him, some of the protesters were allegedly assembled at an office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road, from where trucks were being dispatched to strategic locations, including a roundabout.
He claimed that the activities of the protesters had disrupted traffic, with commuters allegedly threatened and assaulted in some instances.
Atiku condemned the alleged involvement of the security agency, describing it as political interference and a departure from its constitutional responsibility.
“Security agencies exist to protect Nigerians and uphold the law, not to recruit protesters or help a political party manufacture a crisis,” he said, urging officers involved to desist from such activities and remain impartial.
The ADC candidate also accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of prioritising efforts to weaken opposition parties over addressing the country’s economic challenges.
He alleged that the government was pursuing a strategy of political intimidation and absorbing opposition figures into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with the ultimate objective of reducing Nigeria to a one-party state.
Atiku said the administration’s economic policies had subjected millions of Nigerians to severe hardship, citing rising costs of food, transportation, fuel, electricity and other essential commodities.
He promised to introduce policies aimed at making life affordable, strengthening local production, expanding food production and creating jobs if elected president.
The former vice president also criticised the APC over what he described as the poor turnout at its recent rally in Kaduna, arguing that the development reflected declining public confidence in the ruling party.
He said the 2027 general election would be a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy, insisting that the contest would determine whether Nigerians could freely exercise their electoral rights.
Atiku vowed that the ADC would resist attempts to obstruct its political activities, declaring that the party’s campaign would proceed as scheduled.
He confirmed his intention to be in Sokoto on Wednesday to address supporters and participate in the campaign flag-off.
The ADC presidential candidate called on residents of Sokoto to remain peaceful and avoid being drawn into violence, while urging security agencies to protect commuters, residents and campaign participants without political bias.
He further warned that officers who allegedly colluded in suppressing political freedom would be held accountable under the law, while expressing support for security personnel who remained faithful to the Constitution.
Atiku maintained that the ADC would continue to defend democratic participation and Nigerians’ right to freely choose their leaders, insisting that the country belonged to its citizens and not any political party or individual in power.
