Atiku Accuses DSS of Political Interference, Identifies APC Office Where Protesters Were Allegedly Assembled in Sokoto

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the leadership of the Department of State Services (DSS) of recruiting people to stage protests in Sokoto State, alleging that the mobilisation is intended to disrupt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign ahead of the 2027 general election.

During a statement aired on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Atiku claimed that some of the people allegedly mobilised for the protests were gathered at an APC office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road in Sokoto.

“We know where some of these protesters are assembled: the APC office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road,” Atiku said while identifying the location where he alleged the protesters had gathered.

He further claimed that trucks were stationed at the APC office and were being used to transport people to different locations within the area. According to him, the movement of the vehicles was part of the alleged mobilisation taking place in the state.

“Trucks are stationed there and dispatched to key points, including the neighbourhood,” the former vice president said, adding to his claims about the activities surrounding the location.

Atiku also alleged that the mobilisation was already affecting residents and commuters, claiming that the protesters were causing traffic congestion and creating difficulties for people moving around the affected areas.

“These mobilised protesters are causing gridlock, while commuters are being threatened and, in some cases, beaten,” he said while describing the situation he claimed was unfolding in Sokoto.

The former vice president questioned the purpose of the alleged activities and accused the security agency’s leadership of allowing political considerations to influence its operations. “This is not intelligence work; it is political interference dressed in official uniform,” Atiku said.

His allegations followed his earlier claim that the DSS leadership was recruiting people to stage protests in Sokoto to create disorder and give the APC-controlled state government a reason to impose a curfew.

He alleged that such a development could prevent the ADC campaign from taking off as scheduled. These claims were presented as Atiku’s allegations during the programme and were not independently established in the material aired.

Atiku also spoke about the importance of the 2027 general election, describing it as a major moment for Nigeria’s democracy. “The 2027 general election will be a defining moment in our democratic history,” he said, adding that “it is more than a contest between parties or candidates.”

Watch the video from 00:50 to 01:46.