DSS Probes Atiku's Sokoto Protest Allegation: Rally Disruption Claim

• Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar alleged the DSS planned to organize protests in Sokoto State to disrupt an ADC rally and impose a curfew.
• The Department of State Services (DSS) denied the claim but its Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, ordered an investigation into the allegation.
• The DSS cited its rescue of ADC governorship candidate Mannir Daniya from an attack in Sokoto and the prosecution of a man who threatened NDC candidate Peter Obi as evidence of its neutrality.
• Two DSS personnel were assaulted while rescuing Daniya and were receiving treatment.
• The DSS stated it remains accountable under the current Director-General and welcomed a police investigation into a similar claim by AAC candidate Omoyele Sowore.

The agency concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, asserting that it "will continue to remain accountable under the present DG."

The Department of State Services (DSS) has initiated an internal investigation following a serious accusation made by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who is also the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Mr. Abubakar alleged that the `Department of State Services Nigeria` was orchestrating protests in Sokoto State with the intention of disrupting an `ADC governorship candidate attack` and providing a pretext for imposing a curfew, thereby halting his party's `Sokoto State political rally`. This `Atiku Abubakar DSS claim` was made during a press interaction in Abuja on a recent Tuesday.

Despite the gravity of the `DSS probe Atiku Sokoto protest allegation`, the DSS firmly denied the claims, characterizing them as inconsistent with its operational mandate to safeguard political figures across the entire spectrum of political parties. The agency, through a statement issued by its Deputy Director for Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, on the same Tuesday, confirmed that its Director-General, `Oluwatosin Ajayi`, personally ordered the investigation. This directive came even as the DSS maintained that such allegations could demoralize its operatives who are actively engaged in protecting public safety.

In its defense against the allegations, the DSS highlighted its active role in protecting political actors, citing a specific incident on October 31, 2026. During this event, DSS operatives successfully rescued Mannir Daniya, the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, from an attack. The agency confirmed that its personnel, who were assigned to protect Mr. Daniya, safely evacuated him from the scene, though two DSS officers sustained injuries and were receiving medical treatment as of Tuesday.

Following the rescue, Mr. Daniya reportedly contacted the DSS State Director in Sokoto to express his gratitude and to request additional security measures. This incident occurred amidst earlier accusations exchanged between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ADC in Sokoto State on the preceding Saturday, concerning an alleged assault on Mr. Daniya's convoy. The DSS presented these actions as evidence of its consistent commitment to ensuring the safety of political participants, irrespective of their party affiliations.

Further demonstrating its commitment to protecting all political actors, the DSS referenced another case from March 2, 2026, involving the arrest and subsequent prosecution of Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State. Steven was accused of threatening Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the New Democratic Congress (NDC), and was later sentenced to two years imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Rivers State. These instances, according to the DSS, underscore its dedication to maintaining a neutral stance and providing security for all.

Despite the perceived contradiction between Mr. Abubakar's accusation and the agency's operational record, the Director-General's decision to order an investigation into the `Atiku Abubakar DSS claim` was made in deference to the former Vice-President. The DSS also acknowledged a similar allegation made by Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, who claimed the agency was involved in an attack against him in Ekiti State. The DSS welcomed the police investigation into that matter, which identified an "altercation" as the cause and led to the arrest of 11 suspects. The Service stated it awaits the full outcome of that police inquiry and will not pursue the matter further independently.

The agency concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, asserting that it "will continue to remain accountable under the present DG." This stance aims to reassure the public and political stakeholders of the DSS's impartial role in the nation's political landscape.

Lawyers advising political clients or involved in election monitoring should note the DSS's stated commitment to neutrality and its internal investigation process regarding allegations of political interference. This sets a precedent for accountability and may influence future interactions with state security agencies during election cycles, particularly concerning security provisions for political gatherings and responses to threats against candidates.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspapers