A political storm is brewing in Sokoto as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar raises allegations of security interference in opposition activities, prompting the Department of State Services (DSS) to launch an investigation.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, had accused the secret police of recruiting protesters to cause chaos ahead of his party’s planned rally in the state. He alleged that the disruption was intended to create grounds for imposing a curfew and ultimately preventing the political gathering.
In response, the DSS said its Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, had ordered a probe into the claims, although the agency maintained that the allegation was at odds with its record of providing security for politicians across party lines.
The Service cited its intervention during an attack on the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto, Mannir Dan’iya, on October 31, saying its operatives evacuated him to safety. It added that two officers were assaulted during the incident and were still receiving medical attention.
According to the agency, Dan’iya subsequently contacted the Sokoto State Director of the DSS to appreciate the officers’ intervention and request additional security support.
The agency also pointed to its prosecution of Monday Udeme Steven, who was arrested in Rivers State in March over threats to attack Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi. The DSS said he was later sentenced to two years in prison by a Federal High Court.
The Service argued that its actions to protect politicians from different political parties contradicted Atiku’s claims, warning that allegations of this nature could undermine the morale of its personnel.
In a further development, Atiku has vowed to proceed with the Sokoto rally on Wednesday despite the alleged attempts to frustrate the event. The ADC has reportedly kept its rally venue under wraps amid disagreements with the state government over access to public facilities.
The controversy has also drawn reactions from opposition figures, including former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, who has raised concerns over alleged political intimidation and called for the protection of democratic rights.
