The Department of State Services has denied allegations by former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, that it was mobilising protesters to disrupt the party’s campaign rally in Sokoto State.

The secret police, however, said its Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, had ordered an investigation into the allegation despite describing it as inconsistent with the agency’s operations.

The DSS disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie.

DSS cites protection of ADC candidate

The agency said its operatives deployed to protect the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, evacuated him to safety when he came under attack on 31 October 2026.

According to the DSS, Mr Daniya escaped unhurt, while two operatives attached to his security detail were assaulted and were still receiving treatment in hospital as of Tuesday.

It added that the governorship candidate personally contacted the DSS State Director in Sokoto to appreciate the intervention and subsequently requested additional security reinforcement.

The Service said the incident demonstrated its commitment to protecting political actors irrespective of their party affiliations.

Atiku alleges plot to frustrate ADC rally

Mr Atiku had accused the DSS leadership of recruiting protesters to create disorder in Sokoto and provide the state government with grounds to impose a curfew, thereby preventing the ADC from holding its campaign rally as scheduled.

The former Vice-President also alleged that the planned disruption was part of wider attempts to frustrate opposition activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He called on security agencies to remain neutral and refrain from actions capable of undermining democratic participation.

Agency cites Peter Obi protection case

In defending its record, the DSS recalled the arrest and prosecution of Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State on 2 March 2026, over an alleged threat to attack the New Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The Service said Mr Steven was prosecuted at a Federal High Court in Rivers State and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

It argued that its actions to protect political candidates contradicted the allegations made by Mr Atiku, which it said could demoralise operatives risking their lives in the line of duty.

However, the agency maintained that its Director-General had directed an investigation into the matter out of respect for the former Vice-President.

DSS addresses Sowore’s separate allegation

The Service also referred to a separate allegation by African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who accused it of involvement in an attack on him in Ekiti State.

The DSS said it welcomed the police investigation into the incident, adding that a preliminary report identified an altercation as the cause and led to the arrest of 11 suspects.

It said it would await the conclusion of the police investigation and reaffirmed its commitment to accountability under its current leadership.