Olarinde Idowu
The controversy surrounding the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential campaign in Sokoto State has intensified following a clash between former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) over allegations of interference by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The youth organisation has cautioned Atiku against involving the DSS in partisan political disputes, challenging him to provide credible evidence to support his claim that the security agency was plotting to disrupt the opposition party’s campaign activities in Sokoto.
Atiku had raised the allegation during an emergency press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, claiming that the DSS was mobilising protesters to create disorder and provide grounds for the APC-controlled Sokoto State Government to impose a curfew and stop the ADC campaign.
He also expressed concerns about the safety of opposition candidates and supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections, calling on the Federal Government to investigate the alleged plot and guarantee political parties the freedom to conduct their activities.
The former Vice-President subsequently arrived in Sokoto on Wednesday for the launch of his presidential campaign.
However, the DSS dismissed the allegations, announcing that its Director-General had ordered an investigation into the claims.
The agency also recalled that its operatives rescued the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto, Mannir Daniya, during an attack on October 31, an incident in which two DSS personnel reportedly sustained injuries.
Reacting to the development, AYAGL, in a statement signed by its President, Alhaji Danbature Abdul-Hamid, urged political leaders to exercise restraint when making allegations against national security institutions.
The organisation acknowledged the right of citizens and political leaders to demand accountability from security agencies but maintained that such concerns should be backed by verifiable evidence and addressed through appropriate channels.
It described the DSS as a critical component of Nigeria’s internal security system, particularly in intelligence gathering, combating threats to national stability and protecting democratic institutions.
The group also commended the DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, for what it described as efforts to improve professionalism, accountability, human rights protection and operational efficiency within the agency.
It cited the reported rescue of the ADC governorship candidate as an example of the importance of allowing security personnel to carry out their duties without political considerations.
AYAGL further warned that continued controversies involving security agencies could undermine public confidence and distract them from addressing the security challenges confronting Northern Nigeria, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and violent extremism.
The organisation advised Atiku to channel any genuine grievances through established institutional mechanisms and allow investigations to determine the facts. It also urged him to address internal challenges within the ADC, particularly issues relating to party unity, internal democracy and organisational discipline.
While defending the DSS, AYAGL clarified that its position should not be interpreted as an attempt to shield the agency from legitimate scrutiny, stressing that security institutions must remain accountable and operate within the law.
The group called on political actors preparing for the 2027 elections to focus on policy proposals, leadership capacity and national development rather than actions capable of weakening public confidence in government institutions.
It maintained that national security should take precedence over partisan interests and urged political leaders to demonstrate responsibility, patriotism and respect for democratic principles as the country approaches another general election.
