ATIKU ACCUSES DSS LEADERSHIP OF RECRUITING PROTESTERS TO DISRUPT ADC CAMPAIGN RALLY IN SOKOTO
Atiku alleged that the security agency was mobilising individuals to stage protests in strategic locations across Sokoto, with the intention of creating disorder and providing the state government with a justification to impose a curfew that could prevent the ADC rally from taking place.
The former vice-president claimed that some of the protesters were being assembled at an office behind Zenith Bank along Koko Road, where trucks were allegedly stationed to transport them to strategic locations, including a major roundabout.
He further alleged that the mobilised individuals were already causing traffic congestion, threatening commuters and physically assaulting some residents in the area.
Atiku described the alleged activities as political interference, insisting that security agencies were constitutionally established to protect citizens and maintain law and order rather than participate in activities that could undermine political competition.
He called on officers allegedly involved in the mobilisation to immediately withdraw, warning that any security personnel who participated in suppressing democratic freedoms could be held accountable under the law.
The ADC presidential candidate also accused the Sokoto State Government, controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC), of deliberately frustrating the party’s campaign preparations by blocking access to public facilities and withholding logistical support.
He argued that political parties should enjoy equal opportunities to organise lawful rallies and other campaign activities, regardless of whether they belong to the ruling party or the opposition.
The allegations came amid a separate controversy surrounding the sealing of an ADC campaign office in Sokoto by the state government on Monday, November 2.
The Sokoto State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Dantsoho, reportedly explained that the building previously occupied by the ADC belonged to the defunct Savannah Bank and that government records did not indicate any transfer of ownership.
According to the commissioner, the state government had contacted the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) to clarify the ownership of the property and ordered the premises sealed pending further clarification. He also cited a confrontation involving political supporters as part of the circumstances surrounding the decision.
However, the ADC’s campaign spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, disputed the government’s position, maintaining that the state government had no ownership interest in the property. He said political parties had occupied the building for approximately two decades, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) using it before the ADC.
Shaibu also said he visited the premises on Tuesday morning and found no physical restriction preventing access, although his account did not establish whether the sealing order had previously been enforced or formally withdrawn.
The controversy attracted the attention of Amnesty International, which condemned the closure and accused the Sokoto State Government of using the ownership dispute to restrict opposition political activities and undermine freedom of association.
The latest accusations also followed an alleged attack on the convoy of ADC governorship candidate Manir Muhammad Dan’iya near the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport in Sokoto on October 30.
Dan’iya reportedly accused personnel of the Sokoto Marshals and the state Community Guard of obstructing his convoy, firing shots and damaging his vehicle. The Sokoto APC rejected allegations of politically motivated violence, while the state police command said it was investigating the incident.
Atiku maintained that the developments represented a broader attempt to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections. He accused the Tinubu administration of encouraging political manoeuvres that could narrow the space for democratic competition and gradually push Nigeria towards a one-party political system.
He also linked the alleged obstruction of the ADC campaign to the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians, arguing that the government should concentrate on addressing the rising cost of food, transportation, fuel, electricity and other essential commodities rather than frustrating opposition activities.
The former vice-president outlined some of the economic policies he said an ADC government would pursue if elected, including strengthening local production, improving food security, creating employment opportunities and reducing the cost of doing business.
He also proposed a targeted production subsidy tied to fuel refined in Nigeria, saying the policy would provide measurable relief to consumers while supporting domestic industries.
Despite the alleged obstacles, Atiku insisted that the ADC would not abandon its campaign plans and confirmed his intention to travel to Sokoto to address party supporters.
He urged residents to remain peaceful and warned supporters against allowing themselves to be provoked into violence. He also called on security agencies to protect commuters, residents and rally participants without political favouritism.
As of November 3, the DSS had not publicly issued a detailed response to Atiku’s specific allegation that its leadership was recruiting protesters to disrupt the rally. The allegation has not been independently verified, and no publicly established evidence had confirmed the alleged involvement of the agency.
The controversy has further intensified political tensions in Sokoto as parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, with the ADC raising concerns about access to campaign facilities, security arrangements and the protection of opposition political activities.
Street News Reporters will continue to monitor developments ahead of the ADC rally, including any response from the DSS, the Sokoto State Government and other relevant security authorities, as well as the outcome of the investigation into the reported attack on the party’s governorship candidate’s convoy.
