ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Department of State Services has denied allegations by the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, that it plans to sponsor protests to destabilise his campaign kickoff in Sokoto State.
The DSS made the denial in a statement on Tuesday by its Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie. The service said it protects all political parties and the allegations by Atiku are at variance with its operations.
Investigation Ordered
The DSS said its Director-General has ordered an investigation into the allegation. But it cautioned Atiku against making statements capable of demoralising its operatives.
“The attention of the DG, Department of State Services has been drawn to allegations by elder statesman and ADC presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar that DSS is organizing protests in Sokoto State,” the statement read.
Protection of ADC Candidate
The DSS said its operatives deployed to the Sokoto ADC governorship candidate, Mannir Daniya, evacuated him to safety unhurt on October 31, 2026. This was when he was attacked in Sokoto.
It said two 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.
The service also recalled that on March 2, 2026, it arrested Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State. He was arrested for threatening to attack Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate. He was prosecuted by the Service in a Rivers Federal High Court and sentenced to two years in prison.
“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 DG DSS has still ordered an investigation into the allegation in deference to the elder statesman,” the DSS stated.
Sowore’s Allegation
The DSS also said it won’t dissipate unnecessary energy on the allegation by the African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore. Sowore had alleged that the service was involved in the attack against him in Ekiti.
Dozie pointed out that the police had described the incident as an altercation and had opened an investigation into the matter.
The DSS added that it would wait for the outcome of the police investigation.
“The Service also use this medium to reference a similar allegation by AAC Presidential Candidate Omoyele Sowore that the Service was involved in an attack on him in Ekiti State. In this regard, we thank the Police for swift investigation and a preliminary Report on the cause of the incident; ‘altercation’, coupled with the arrest of eleven suspects. We await the outcome of Police investigation and will not dissipate energy on the matter,” it added.
“The Service will continue to remain accountable under the present DG.”
What This Means
The statement is a significant response to the allegations. It shows that the DSS is pushing back against claims of political interference.
The service is also seeking to reassure the public that it remains professional and accountable.
What Happens Next
The DSS will continue its operations. It will also await the outcome of the police investigation into the Sowore incident.
For now, the focus is on ensuring the safety of all political actors. The coming days will reveal how the situation develops.
