RismadarVoice Reporters
November 4, 2026
The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied allegations by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar that it planned to organise protests to disrupt an African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign rally in Sokoto State.
The agency, however, announced that its Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, had ordered an investigation into the allegation.
Atiku, the ADC presidential candidate, raised the accusation during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, alleging that security operatives were recruiting protesters to create disorder ahead of the party’s scheduled rally.
He claimed that the alleged mobilisation was intended to provide grounds for the imposition of a curfew that could prevent the opposition party from holding its campaign event.
The former vice-president also accused the Sokoto State Government of denying the ADC access to public facilities and obstructing preparations for the rally.
Responding in a statement issued by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS rejected the allegation, maintaining that its operations were focused on protecting political actors regardless of party affiliation.
The agency cited its intervention during an attack on the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto, Mannir Daniya, on October 31.
According to the DSS, its operatives evacuated Daniya to safety during the incident, while two officers sustained injuries and were receiving medical treatment.
The agency said Daniya subsequently contacted its Sokoto State director to express appreciation and request additional security support.
It also referenced the prosecution of Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State over an alleged threat against New Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi.
According to the DSS, Steven was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment by a Federal High Court following the prosecution.
The agency maintained that these interventions demonstrated its commitment to protecting political figures across party lines.
Nevertheless, it said Ajayi had directed an investigation into Atiku’s allegation.
The DSS also addressed a separate accusation by African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who alleged that the agency was involved in an attack against him in Ekiti State.
It said police investigations into that incident had resulted in the arrest of 11 suspects, while further inquiries were continuing.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and cooperation with other security institutions.
Meanwhile, Atiku maintained that the ADC would proceed with its Sokoto campaign activities and urged supporters to remain peaceful.
The allegations against the DSS have not been independently substantiated, and the agency has yet to announce findings from its newly ordered investigation.
