African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of recruiting thugs to disrupt his party's campaigns in Sokoto State. He also alleged that the state government is perpetrating violence and political intimidation against ADC members. Atiku vowed to address a rally in Sokoto despite the actions of the security agencies and the state government's denial of access to public facilities for rallies and campaigns.
Atiku made these allegations at a press conference in Abuja, stating that the situation in Sokoto is not ordinary political competition, but a calculated campaign to frustrate the ADC and obstruct its campaign. He claimed that public facilities have been blocked and logistical support withheld, hindering the party's ability to campaign. Atiku also alleged that the DSS is recruiting people to stage protests in Sokoto to create disorder and give the APC-controlled state government a pretext to impose a curfew.
The ADC presidential candidate revealed that some of the mobilised protesters are causing gridlock, threatening commuters, and beating some people. He described this as political interference dressed in official uniform, adding that security agencies exist to protect Nigerians and uphold the law, not to recruit protesters or help a political party manufacture a crisis. Atiku called on every officer involved to stop immediately and return to the constitutional duty of impartial service.
In response to Atiku's allegations, the DSS said its Director-General has ordered a probe into the allegation of thugs recruitment. The agency also stated that some of its operatives deployed to the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, recently evacuated him to safety unhurt when he was attacked on October 31.
Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) states chairmen have petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, over alleged intimidation and harassment by APC governors. Former governor of Sokoto State and senator for Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, also decried alleged political intimidation in the state and vowed to defend democratic rights and freedom of association.
Atiku's rally in Sokoto is scheduled to take place today, despite the tensions. The ADC presidential candidate said he will not be deterred by the actions of the security agencies and the state government. He emphasized that Nigerians have the freedom to choose and that his party will not be denied a level playing field.
The situation in Sokoto State highlights the challenges faced by opposition parties in Nigeria. Atiku's allegations against the DSS and the state government have raised concerns about the impartiality of security agencies and the ability of opposition parties to campaign freely. The probe ordered by the DSS into the allegation of thugs recruitment is expected to shed more light on the situation.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar accuses DSS of recruiting thugs to disrupt ADC campaigns in Sokoto State.
- DSS orders probe into allegation of thugs recruitment.
- PDP states chairmen petition IG over alleged intimidation by APC governors.
