Atiku accuses DSS of mobilising protesters to disrupt ADC campaign in Sokoto

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the leadership of the Department of State Services (DSS) of recruiting protesters to create unrest in Sokoto State and disrupt the party’s campaign activities.

Atiku made the allegation on Monday during a press conference in Abuja, claiming that the alleged mobilisation was part of a plan to trigger disorder, provide the APC-controlled state government with grounds to impose a curfew and prevent the ADC’s campaign from holding as scheduled.

He also accused authorities of denying the ADC access to public facilities and withholding logistical support, describing the alleged actions as deliberate attempts to undermine the party and deny it a level playing field.

According to information he said was available to him, some protesters had gathered at an office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road, where trucks were reportedly stationed before being dispatched to strategic locations, including a roundabout.

Atiku alleged that the protesters were causing traffic congestion, threatening commuters and, in some cases, assaulting them. He added that some had moved away from the roundabout in search of shade.

“This is not intelligence work. It is political interference dressed in official uniform,” Atiku said.

He urged security personnel allegedly involved in the mobilisation to stop, insisting that security agencies should protect Nigerians and uphold the law rather than recruit protesters or assist political parties in creating crises.

Atiku linked the situation in Sokoto to what he described as a broader pattern under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. He accused the government of focusing on weakening the opposition rather than addressing the country’s challenges.

According to him, the administration has pursued what he called a politics of “absorption and intimidation,” drawing former opposition figures into the APC while restricting political competition.

He said the alleged strategy was aimed at reducing Nigeria to a one-party state in all but name, adding that the government was afraid of the electorate’s verdict amid a cost-of-living crisis that had made food, transportation, fuel and electricity unaffordable for millions of Nigerians.

The ADC candidate also outlined some of his proposed economic measures, pledging to make life more affordable through support for local production, increased food production, job creation and efforts to reduce the cost of doing business.

“I will make life affordable again. We will support local production, strengthen food production, create jobs and reduce the cost of doing business,” he said.

Atiku also proposed a targeted production subsidy tied to fuel refined in Nigeria, saying the policy would provide measurable relief to consumers while supporting domestic industry.

He said the APC should have treated the failure of its previous rally in Kaduna as a warning, but instead had resorted to what he described as intimidation and obstruction.

“These are the last kicks of a dying horse. The more this government tries to silence the people, the clearer it becomes that it has already lost their confidence,” he said.

Atiku described the 2027 general election as a defining moment for Nigeria, framing it as a choice between a government he accused of being indifferent to public suffering and citizens seeking change and a credible electoral process.

He vowed that the ADC would resist any administrative obstacles or alleged underhand tactics aimed at excluding the opposition, and said the campaign would proceed as planned.

The former vice president also announced that he intended to travel to Sokoto the following day, God willing, to address residents of the state.

He appealed to the people of Sokoto to remain calm and peaceful, warning them against allowing anyone to provoke them or turn a political gathering into a security crisis. He also called on security agencies to protect commuters, residents and rally participants without bias.

Addressing Nigerian voters, Atiku urged them to remain resolute and defend their democratic rights.

“Democratic freedom is not a gift from any government. It is your right. Do not allow anyone to intimidate you or checkmate your will,” he said.

Atiku reaffirmed his commitment to leading the ADC’s campaign, saying he would not abandon the political field. He also pledged that the party would support security officers who refused to be used against democracy and remained faithful to the Constitution.

He warned that officers who allegedly colluded in suppressing political freedom would be held accountable under the law.

“Nigeria belongs to its people, not to any party or temporary occupant of power. We will defend that truth and the people’s right to choose,” he said.

Editorial note: The claims concerning DSS involvement, the alleged mobilisation of protesters, violence against commuters and restrictions on ADC campaign activities are Atiku’s allegations. They should be independently verified, and responses from the DSS, Sokoto State government and other relevant parties should be sought before publication.

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