Atiku Accuses DSS of Plotting to Disrupt ADC Campaign in Sokoto Ahead of 2027 Elections

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies of creating disorder in Sokoto State to disrupt the opposition party’s campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku made the allegation in Abuja while reacting to an attack on the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Dan Iya. He also raised concerns about the treatment of party supporters, alleging that they were being harassed and that opposition candidates were being attacked.

According to Atiku, the situation in Sokoto went beyond ordinary political competition and was aimed at frustrating the ADC’s efforts to organise its campaign.

He described the developments as a calculated attempt to obstruct the party and deny Nigerians the freedom to choose their preferred candidates.

Addressing the allegations, Atiku said, “what is unfolding in sokoto is not ordinary political competition. It is a calculated campaign to frustrate the african democratic congress, obstruct our campaign, and deny nigerians the freedom to choose.”

He further alleged that public facilities that should be accessible to all political parties for legitimate campaign activities had been blocked in the state.

Atiku also claimed that logistical support required for the ADC’s campaign had been withheld, making it difficult for the party to carry out its planned activities.

Describing the alleged restrictions as deliberate, the former vice president said, “these are not harmless administrative delays. they are deliberate attempts to deny the adc a level playing field.”

He also referred to the presence of some security chiefs in Sokoto the previous day and night.

Atiku expressed particular concern over information he said was available to the opposition concerning the DSS leadership. He alleged that the agency was recruiting people to organise protests in Sokoto, claiming that the planned demonstrations were intended to create disorder in the state.

He said, “more disturbing still, the information available to us is that the leadership of the department of state services is recruiting people to stage protest in sokoto state.”

Atiku alleged that the objective was to create a security crisis that could provide a reason for further restrictions on political activities.

He further claimed that the alleged disorder could give the APC-controlled Sokoto State Government a pretext to impose a curfew and prevent the ADC from holding its campaign as scheduled. He also accused security agencies of contributing to an atmosphere that could interfere with the opposition party’s preparations.

Atiku called on the Federal Government to investigate the allegations and ensure that opposition parties could freely organise rallies, engage voters and carry out campaign activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

His claims concerning the DSS and the alleged recruitment of protesters were presented as allegations and were not independently established in the address.

Watch the video from 01:13 to 02:38.