Atiku Abubakar’s allegation that the Department of State Services (DSS) is recruiting protesters to create disorder in Sokoto State raises serious questions about political responsibility, credibility and the need for restraint in making accusations against a critical national security institution.
At a time when Nigeria is grappling with security challenges and political tensions are gradually building ahead of the 2027 general elections, one would expect a former Vice-President and presidential aspirant of Atiku’s stature to exercise caution before making allegations capable of undermining public confidence in the country’s security agencies.
Unfortunately, his latest accusation appears to have overlooked a rather significant development: the same DSS he accused of plotting to destabilise Sokoto State had recently put the lives of its operatives on the line to protect the ADC governorship candidate, Mannir Daniya.
According to the Service, its operatives rescued Daniya from a mob attack on October 31, 2026, with two officers sustaining injuries serious enough to require hospitalisation. More revealingly, the ADC candidate reportedly personally contacted the State Director of the DSS to express appreciation and even requested additional security reinforcement.
This raises an obvious question: if the DSS was indeed working against the ADC in Sokoto, why would its operatives risk their lives to protect the party’s governorship candidate?
Atiku owes Nigerians a convincing explanation for this apparent contradiction.
Political opposition is a legitimate component of democracy. Parties have every right to campaign, criticise government policies and demand accountability from public institutions. However, opposition politics must not become a licence to make sweeping allegations without presenting credible evidence.
Accusing the DSS of orchestrating protests to manufacture an excuse for imposing a curfew is a serious charge. Such an allegation should be supported by verifiable facts, not merely political suspicion or speculation.
It is particularly troubling that Atiku, who has occupied the highest levels of government, appears willing to cast aspersions on an institution whose officers routinely operate under dangerous conditions to protect lives and maintain national security.
The DSS has also cited its arrest and successful prosecution of Monday Udeme Steven, who threatened to attack Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Party (NDC). The suspect was arrested in Rivers State on March 2, 2026, prosecuted before a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.
This is significant because it demonstrates that the Service’s security responsibilities are not supposed to be determined by political affiliation. Whether the individual under threat belongs to the ADC, NDC or any other political platform, the responsibility of the security agency is to protect lives and prevent criminal attacks.
Indeed, the DSS’s account suggests that its intervention in Sokoto was driven by the need to protect a political candidate, rather than undermine his party’s activities.
While the Service has ordered an investigation into Atiku’s allegation, a decision that demonstrates the importance of institutional accountability, the former Vice-President should equally be prepared to substantiate his claims.
Nigeria cannot afford a situation where security agencies are routinely discredited through politically charged accusations, particularly when their personnel are risking their lives in the discharge of their duties.
This is not to suggest that the DSS should be above criticism. No public institution should enjoy immunity from scrutiny. Where there is evidence of misconduct, abuse of power or political interference, such matters must be investigated and those responsible held accountable.
But accountability must be based on evidence, not political convenience.
Atiku must understand that leadership comes with responsibility. His experience as a former Vice-President should make him more conscious of the implications of making unsubstantiated allegations against security institutions.
The 2027 political contest should be about ideas, policies, governance records and competing visions for Nigeria, not the needless politicisation of national security.
If the ADC believes there is a genuine plot to disrupt its campaign in Sokoto, it should present whatever evidence it possesses to the appropriate authorities and allow an independent investigation to establish the facts.
What Nigerians need at this critical moment is responsible political leadership, not allegations capable of creating unnecessary tension and distrust.
Atiku should therefore exercise restraint, provide evidence for his claims and allow the DSS investigation to run its course.
Democracy thrives on constructive opposition, but it is weakened when political desperation takes precedence over facts.
Bajulaiye is
Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Abuja-based Daily Dispatch Newspaper (online). He can be contacted via: 09099778830,
olu.ejima@gmail.com
