DSS Orders Probe Into Atiku's Claim of Plot to Disrupt Sokoto Rally
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the security agency of planning protests to trigger a curfew, prompting an internal investigation by the service.
At a glance
- Atiku Abubakar claimed during a press conference in Abuja that the DSS was recruiting individuals to stage protests in Sokoto State.
- The alleged plot aimed to create disorder and provide a pretext for a curfew to block an African Democratic Congress campaign event.
- The DSS rejected the allegation as inconsistent with its mandate but stated that Director-General Oluwatosin Ajayi ordered an inquiry.
- The security service highlighted its past interventions to protect politicians across various parties, including rescuing ADC governorship candidate Mannir Daniya.
The Department of State Services has rejected allegations by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that the security agency planned to organise protests in Sokoto State. Atiku made the claim during a Tuesday press conference in Abuja, asserting that the service and local security outfits were orchestrating disturbances to rig the 2027 elections for the ruling party.
Despite describing the claim as contrary to its operational record of protecting political figures across party lines, the secret police announced that its Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, has ordered an investigation into the matter out of respect for the former presidential candidate.
Atiku accuses security leadership
Speaking at his residence, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate alleged that security agencies were harassing opposition supporters in Sokoto State and manhandling individuals wearing party apparel. He stated that intelligence available to his team indicated leadership within the Department of State Services was recruiting protesters.
According to Atiku, the objective was to manufacture unrest and grant the state government a pretext to impose a curfew, thereby preventing the party's scheduled campaign rally from taking place.
Service denies claim and cites record
In a statement issued by Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications Favour Dozie, the Department of State Services denied the accusations. The agency argued that such claims could demoralise operatives risking their lives in the line of duty.
The service pointed to its protection of political actors irrespective of party affiliations. It noted that its operatives in Sokoto evacuated ADC governorship candidate Mannir Daniya to safety following an attack on October 31, 2026, adding that Daniya subsequently contacted the state director to express gratitude for the intervention. The agency also highlighted the successful prosecution of a man who threatened opposition presidential candidate Peter Obi earlier in the year.
Weighing the competing claims
The exchange highlights mounting tensions around political campaigns in Sokoto State ahead of the 2027 general elections. While the opposition points to local clashes and alleged state-backed interference to question the neutrality of security institutions, the Department of State Services relies on documented interventions to defend its professional conduct. The decision by the service to launch a formal inquiry provides a structured mechanism to address the dispute, though the eventual findings will determine whether the friction between opposition leaders and security leadership subsides.
What to watch: The outcome of the internal investigation ordered by the Department of State Services.
Reporting from: Vanguard, Punch, Daily Post. Spotted an error? Tell us.
- Atiku Abubakar
- Department of State Services
- Mannir Daniya
- African Democratic Congress
- Sokoto State
- Nigeria
- Politics