Former Vice-President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of allegedly recruiting protesters to create unrest in Sokoto State, claiming the move is part of a plot to frustrate the opposition party’s presidential campaign rally scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
Atiku alleged that the planned disruption was intended to provide an excuse for the All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled Sokoto State Government to impose a curfew and prevent the ADC from formally launching its presidential campaign in the state.
The former Vice-President, who raised the alarm during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, November 3, accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of using administrative restrictions and alleged security intimidation to undermine political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He maintained that the opposition party would resist attempts to prevent its campaign activities, declaring that he would personally travel to Sokoto to address supporters despite the alleged threats.
Atiku described the developments as a calculated attempt to deny Nigerians the opportunity to freely choose their leaders in the forthcoming presidential election.
According to him, the ADC had received information suggesting that individuals were being mobilised to stage demonstrations in strategic locations across Sokoto, with the intention of creating disorder ahead of the rally.
He alleged that some of the protesters were being assembled at an office behind Zenith Bank along Koko Road before being transported to designated locations.
The former Vice-President claimed that trucks had been deployed to transport the protesters, including to a major roundabout, where their activities allegedly caused traffic congestion and disrupted movement.
He further alleged that some commuters had been threatened and assaulted during the disturbances.
However, the allegations against the DSS had not been independently established, and no evidence confirming the agency’s involvement in the reported mobilisation was made public in the accounts available on Tuesday.
Atiku accused security officials allegedly involved in the activities of abandoning their constitutional responsibilities and allowing themselves to be used for political purposes.
He maintained that intelligence and law enforcement agencies existed to protect Nigerians, not to influence the outcome of political contests or restrict legitimate opposition activities.
“This is not intelligence work. It is political interference dressed in official uniform,” Atiku declared.
“Security agencies exist to protect Nigerians and uphold the law, not to recruit protesters or help a political party manufacture a crisis.”
The ADC candidate called on any security personnel involved in the alleged operation to withdraw immediately and discharge their duties impartially.
He warned that the involvement of security institutions in partisan political activities could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
Atiku also alleged that the authorities had denied the ADC access to public facilities ordinarily available for legitimate campaign activities.
He claimed that logistical support had been withheld, describing the restrictions as deliberate obstacles rather than routine administrative difficulties.
According to him, the reported actions were intended to weaken the party’s mobilisation efforts and frustrate preparations for the presidential campaign.
Expanding his criticism, Atiku accused the Tinubu administration of pursuing what he described as a sustained campaign to weaken opposition parties and consolidate political power.
He alleged that the ruling APC had concentrated on attracting influential opposition figures into its ranks while restricting opportunities for competing political organisations.
The former Vice-President argued that such actions threatened Nigeria’s multiparty political system.
He claimed that the administration’s political strategy was gradually reducing meaningful competition, raising concerns about the future of democratic participation.
Atiku maintained that Nigerians should be allowed to examine the records of competing parties and determine their preferred leaders without intimidation or interference.
He described the 2027 general elections as an important test of the country’s democratic institutions.
The former Vice-President insisted that the contest should be decided through the ballot rather than administrative restrictions or the alleged misuse of security agencies.
The Presidency and DSS had not issued direct responses to these latest allegations in the reports available at the time.
The latest accusations come amid growing tension between the ADC and political authorities in Sokoto State.
The opposition party has previously complained about attacks on supporters, difficulties securing campaign facilities and alleged harassment by local security personnel.
The controversy intensified following reports of a confrontation involving the convoy of the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya.
The party accused personnel of local security outfits of obstructing the convoy and damaging vehicles, allegations that prompted demands for an investigation.
However, the Sokoto chapter of the APC rejected claims that its members were responsible for attacks on opposition supporters.
The state police command also acknowledged receiving reports concerning the earlier confrontation and said the matter was under investigation.
In another development, the Sokoto State Government sealed an ADC campaign office ahead of the planned presidential rally.
The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Dantsoho, said the action was taken to protect lives and property following disturbances involving party supporters and other individuals.
The ADC has maintained that the restrictions are part of a broader pattern of interference with its campaign preparations.
The party’s presidential rally, initially planned for October 31, was subsequently rescheduled for November 4.
Atiku also linked his allegations of political intimidation to the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians, accusing the Federal Government of paying insufficient attention to the cost-of-living crisis.
He argued that the administration should be explaining its economic record to voters rather than allegedly attempting to frustrate opposition campaigns.
The former Vice-President identified rising food prices, transportation costs, electricity tariffs and fuel expenses among the challenges facing households and businesses.
“Families are struggling to feed their children, pay school fees and keep their businesses alive,” he said.
“That is the record this government should be defending before the people, instead of trying to stop a rally.”
Atiku maintained that Nigerians deserved an opportunity to examine alternative economic policies before making their electoral decisions.
He pledged that an ADC administration would prioritise measures aimed at making essential goods and services more affordable.
According to him, the party would support domestic production, strengthen agriculture, create employment opportunities and reduce operating costs for businesses.
He also proposed a targeted production subsidy tied to petroleum products refined in Nigeria.
The former Vice-President argued that such an arrangement could provide relief to consumers while encouraging domestic refining and industrial activity.
His proposals come amid continuing debate over the impact of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, particularly petrol subsidy removal and changes in the foreign exchange market.
Atiku reaffirmed that the ADC would proceed with its scheduled rally despite the alleged obstacles.
He insisted that the party would not surrender its right to organise political activities or allow administrative restrictions to prevent it from engaging voters.
The former Vice-President also criticised what he described as the APC’s poor outing at a previous rally in Kaduna, arguing that the ruling party should focus on persuading voters rather than obstructing political opponents.
“These are the last kicks of a dying horse,” he said.
He further accused the government of attempting to suppress political dissent, although the claims remain contested.
Atiku maintained that his party would continue campaigning across the country and seek public support through the electoral process.
Reaffirming his planned visit to Sokoto, he declared that he would not be deterred by the reported security concerns.
“I will be in Sokoto tomorrow, God willing, to address the good people of the state,” he said.
Despite his allegations, the ADC candidate appealed to Sokoto residents and party supporters to remain peaceful and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions.
He urged them not to respond to alleged provocations or allow the campaign gathering to degenerate into violence.
Atiku called on security agencies to protect residents, commuters and political participants without discrimination.
He also warned that officers found to have participated unlawfully in suppressing political activities could face consequences under the law.
The former Vice-President pledged support for security personnel who maintained professional neutrality and upheld their constitutional obligations.
He emphasised that political participation was a democratic right that should not depend on the goodwill of any administration.
The controversy has renewed attention on the need for security agencies to remain impartial as political campaigns intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
While Atiku has levelled serious allegations against the DSS and the ruling party, establishing whether any officials participated in unlawful political interference would require credible evidence and an independent investigation.
