{
  "id": 18058816,
  "title": "Atiku: DSS Recruiting Thugs to Obstruct ADC Campaigns in Sokoto; DSS Replies, Orders Probe into Allegation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/atiku-dss-recruiting-thugs-to-obstruct-adc-campaigns-in-sokoto-dss",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-04T03:00:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/11/04/atiku-dss-recruiting-thugs-to-obstruct-adc-campaigns-in-sokoto-dss-replies-orders-probe-into-allegation/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar alleged that the Department of State Services (DSS) is recruiting thugs to disrupt his party's campaigns in Sokoto State. DSS responded, stating that they have ordered a probe into the allegation. Atiku further complained about violence and political intimidation by the state government, as well as the denial of access to public facilities for ADC rallies and campaigns. The DSS mentioned that some of their operatives evacuated Mannir Daniya, an ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto, to safety when he was attacked on October 31. Atiku vowed to address a rally in Sokoto regardless of the security agencies' actions and the state government's refusal to grant opposition access to public facilities.",
  "summary": "• Ex-VP vows to address a rally in the state today, PDP states chairmen petition IG Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto The presidential candidate of African",
  "key_points": [
    "Atiku accuses DSS of recruiting thugs to obstruct ADC campaigns in Sokoto.",
    "DSS orders a probe into Atiku's allegations of DSS involvement in campaign disruption.",
    "Atiku faces violence, intimidation, and denied access to public facilities for ADC rallies."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The allegations of state-sponsored intimidation and security agency involvement highlight the escalating tension between the ruling government and opposition parties over political access and safety in Sokoto.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}