Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the leadership of the Department of State Services (DSS) of recruiting protesters to disrupt the party’s presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto.
Atiku made the allegation in a statement issued on Tuesday ahead of the ADC campaign rally scheduled to hold in Sokoto on November 4.
He described the developments in the state as a deliberate attempt to frustrate the opposition party’s activities and undermine Nigerians’ right to freely choose their political leaders.
According to him, public facilities meant to be accessible to all political parties had been blocked, while logistical support for the ADC campaign had allegedly been withheld.
The former vice president further claimed that the DSS leadership was mobilising protesters to create disorder, potentially providing the state government with an excuse to impose a curfew and stop the rally.
Atiku alleged that some of the protesters were gathered at an office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road, adding that trucks were being used to transport them to strategic locations, including a roundabout.
He also claimed that the protesters were causing traffic congestion, threatening commuters and assaulting some residents.
“This is not intelligence work. It is political interference dressed in official uniform,” Atiku said, urging security operatives to remain neutral and discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
He accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of concentrating on weakening opposition parties rather than addressing the country’s economic and social challenges.
Atiku alleged that the government was pursuing a strategy of intimidation and political realignment aimed at shrinking the space for opposition and turning Nigeria into a one-party state.
He also criticised the administration over the rising cost of living, saying the prices of food, transportation, fuel, electricity and other essential goods had made life difficult for millions of Nigerians.
According to him, the government should be defending its economic record before the electorate rather than attempting to prevent opposition parties from holding rallies.
The ADC presidential candidate promised that his administration, if elected, would prioritise local production, strengthen food production, create jobs and reduce the cost of doing business.
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He also proposed a targeted production subsidy linked to fuel refined in Nigeria, saying the policy would provide relief to consumers while supporting domestic industry.
Atiku further referenced the ADC’s previous rally in Kaduna, which he described as unsuccessful for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that the development should serve as a warning about declining public confidence.
He maintained that the 2027 general election would be a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy, insisting that voters must be allowed to make their choices without intimidation.
The former vice president vowed that the ADC would proceed with its Sokoto campaign rally, adding that he would personally attend the event.
“I will be in Sokoto tomorrow, God willing, to address the good people of the state,” he said.
He appealed to residents to remain peaceful and urged security agencies to protect commuters, residents and campaign participants without political bias.
Atiku also warned that any security personnel found colluding to suppress political activities would be held accountable under the law.
He called on Nigerians to defend their democratic rights, insisting that the country belonged to its citizens and not any political party or individual in power.
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