TMS challenges Atiku to provide evidence of DSS plot to disrupt ADC campaign

The Tinubu Movement for Sustainable Governance Foundation (TMS) has challenged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to provide evidence to support his allegation that the Department of State Services (DSS) mobilised protesters to disrupt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign activities in Sokoto State.

The foundation also called for an impartial investigation into the allegation, warning political leaders against politicising sensitive national security issues.

Atiku, the ADC presidential candidate, had accused the secret police of deploying protesters to frustrate the party’s campaign activities in Sokoto.

The DSS denied the allegation but said its Director-General had ordered an investigation into the incident.

Reacting to the controversy, TMS Director-General, Marcel Ngogbehei, said political leaders had the constitutional right to scrutinise public institutions and demand accountability but cautioned against making serious allegations without credible evidence.

In a statement signed by its Director of Strategic Communication, Adebisi O. Adams, the foundation said allegations involving national security institutions should be subjected to due process and independent investigation.

“These are serious accusations. They deserve credible evidence, due process and an impartial investigation,” Ngogbehei said.

He argued that national security should not be reduced to an instrument of partisan advantage, adding that Atiku, as a former Vice-President and prominent national figure, should appreciate the consequences of making serious allegations against institutions responsible for protecting lives and maintaining national security.

The foundation said political disagreements should not be allowed to undermine national security or erode public confidence in state institutions.

It, however, stressed that security agencies must remain accountable, professional and politically neutral in the discharge of their responsibilities.

TMS also drew attention to the DSS’s account of an incident involving the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, on October 31, 2026.

According to the secret police, its operatives evacuated Daniya to safety after he came under attack during the incident.

The Service further claimed that two of its personnel were assaulted and subsequently received hospital treatment.

It also said Daniya later contacted the DSS Director in Sokoto State to express appreciation for the intervention and request additional security reinforcement.

Ngogbehei said the account, if established by the investigation, raised questions that should be reconciled with the allegation that the same security agency was organising disruptions against the opposition party.

“Our security agencies carry the enormous responsibility of protecting Nigerians, maintaining public order and safeguarding democratic activities, regardless of political affiliation.

“Their professionalism, independence and credibility must not become casualties of political competition,” he said.

The TMS director-general welcomed the DSS decision to investigate the allegation, urging Atiku to submit any evidence available to him and cooperate with the appropriate authorities.

He also called on the secret police to ensure that its investigation was thorough and impartial, insisting that any officer found culpable should face appropriate sanctions.

“Let there be no misunderstanding: defending the integrity of our security institutions does not mean placing them above scrutiny.

“Every credible allegation of misconduct should be investigated, and any officer found culpable should be held accountable,” Ngogbehei said.

He urged security agencies to maintain strict political neutrality and guarantee equal protection for the lawful activities of all political parties, candidates and their supporters.

According to him, actual or perceived partisanship by security personnel could undermine public confidence, particularly as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The foundation also urged political leaders across party lines to exercise restraint in their public comments on intelligence and national security matters.

It said Nigeria’s security challenges required cooperation among government institutions, political stakeholders, communities and citizens rather than statements capable of deepening political divisions.

Ngogbehei further argued that credible elections required more than independent electoral institutions, stressing the need for a secure environment where political parties could campaign peacefully and citizens exercise their democratic rights without intimidation.

The foundation reaffirmed its commitment to constructive political engagement, institutional accountability and democratic stability, saying allegations of wrongdoing should be resolved through evidence, due process and the rule of law.

“Our democracy needs a responsible opposition, professional security agencies and leaders who place the national interest above political differences,” he added.