DSS denies Atiku’s ADC rally disruption claim, orders probe

The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied allegations by Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice-President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, that the agency is planning to organize protests in Sokoto State. In a statement from the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS claimed that its operatives had rescued one of their candidates, Mannir Daniya, from an attack on October 31, 2026, and were providing additional security support.

The DSS also highlighted its arrest and prosecution of a man in Rivers State for allegedly threatening to attack presidential candidate Peter Obi, citing its commitment to protecting political actors regardless of party affiliation. Atiku had accused the DSS of recruiting protesters to disrupt a campaign rally in Sokoto, but the DSS stated that their operations were an effort to protect political actors across party lines.

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