DSS rejects Atiku’s allegation of organising anti-ADC protests in Sokoto

The Department of State Services (DSS) has rejected allegations from Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), that it is recruiting protesters to cause unrest in Sokoto state, in a bid to provide grounds for the imposition of a curfew.

Favour Dozie, deputy director, public relations and strategic communications, in a statement on Wednesday, said the secret police was surprised by the allegation, noting that two of its operatives were injured and hospitalised while protecting Mannir Daniya, the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto, from a mob attack on October 31.

The DSS said its operatives evacuated Daniya safely during the incident, adding that the candidate later personally called to appreciate the state director of the command while requesting additional security reinforcement.

“The attention of the DG Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to allegation by elder statesman and ADC presidential candidate, Alhaji ATIKU ABUBAKAR that, DSS is organizing protests in Sokoto State,” the statement reads.
“For the Records, DSS Operatives deployed to Sokoto ADC Governorship Candidate; Mannir Daniya, evacuated him to safety unhurt on 31st October 2026 when attacked in Sokoto. Two (2) DSS operatives were assaulted during the incident and are still being treated in the hospital. 

“The governorship candidate called personally to appreciate the State Director of Sokoto Command and even requested for reinforcement from the DSS.

“Though these operations to protect all Political Parties is at variance with the elder statesman’s allegation and tend to demoralize our gallant operatives who are risking their lives in the line of duty, the DGDSS has still ordered an investigation into the allegation in deference to the elder statesman.”
The service said the allegation contradicts its efforts to protect politicians across party lines and could demoralise operatives risking their lives in the line of duty.

It added that the director-general of the DSS had ordered an investigation into the allegation in deference to Atiku.

The DSS also referenced a similar allegation by Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), that the service was involved in an attack on him in Ekiti state.

It said it appreciated the police for investigating the incident and presenting a preliminary report which attributed it to an “altercation”.
The service added that 11 suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.

BACK STORY

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Atiku accused the Sokoto state government of obstructing his party’s campaign activities ahead of its rally in the state.

Atiku also accused the DSS of recruiting protesters to cause chaos and create a pretext for imposing a curfew that would prevent the ADC rally from holding as scheduled.
The former vice-president condemned what he described as attempts to frustrate the opposition party and deny Nigerians the freedom to choose their leaders.

He said public facilities meant to be available to political parties for legitimate campaign activities had been blocked, while logistical support had been denied.
Atiku implored officers allegedly involved in the mobilisation of protesters to desist and return to their constitutional responsibility of providing impartial service.

The ADC presidential candidate also accused the President Bola Tinubu administration of weakening opposition parties and narrowing the space for political competition.
He said the government had pursued a politics of absorption and intimidation by drawing former opposition figures into the All Progressives Congress (APC).