2027 elections: Arewa youths problem Atiku over allegations towards DSS in Sokoto

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has challenged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to offer verifiable proof to help his allegation that the Department of State Services (DSS) was planning to disrupt the political actions of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State.

The group, by means of its President, Alhaji Danbature Abdul-Hamid, urged the ADC presidential candidate to keep away from drawing nationwide safety establishments into partisan disputes, warning that unsubstantiated allegations may weaken public confidence in businesses answerable for defending lives and sustaining nationwide stability, blueprint stories.

The place was contained in an announcement issued in Abuja, following Atiku’s allegation that the DSS was recruiting protesters to trigger unrest in Sokoto and create grounds for the imposition of a curfew that might forestall the opposition occasion from holding its marketing campaign rally.

Atiku had made the allegation throughout an interplay with journalists in Abuja, prompting the DSS to reject the declare and announce that its Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, had ordered an investigation.

DSS cites safety of ADC candidate

Reacting to the controversy, the DSS stated its operatives had protected the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, throughout an assault on October 31, 2026.

According to the Service, its personnel evacuated Daniya to security through the incident, whereas two operatives sustained accidents after being assaulted and had been taken to hospital for therapy.

The company additionally stated Daniya subsequently contacted the State Director of the DSS in Sokoto to understand the intervention and request further safety reinforcement.

The Service maintained that the incident contradicted the allegation that it was working to undermine the ADC’s political actions, insisting that its duty was to guard political actors regardless of occasion affiliation.

It, nonetheless, stated the Director-General had directed an investigation into Atiku’s allegation, regardless of describing it as inconsistent with the company’s operations.

The improvement has generated debate over the position of safety businesses in defending political actions as events start preparations for the 2027 common elections.

Group urges restraint, accountability

In its response, AYAGL acknowledged the suitable of political leaders to query public establishments and demand accountability however insisted that allegations towards a delicate safety company ought to be supported by credible proof.

The group stated the DSS remained an essential a part of Nigeria’s inside safety structure, with obligations that embody intelligence gathering, stopping threats to nationwide stability and defending democratic establishments.

It additionally counseled the company’s Director-General, Ajayi, for what it described as efforts to strengthen professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights and operational effectivity.

The organisation stated the reported intervention involving the ADC governorship candidate demonstrated the significance of safety businesses offering safety with out discrimination.

“National security must never be subordinated to partisan interests. The protection of Nigerians, their freedom, democratic rights and the territorial integrity of the country must remain the overriding responsibility of every security institution,” the assertion stated.

AYAGL additional warned that recurring political controversies involving safety businesses may distract them from addressing the safety challenges confronting the nation, significantly in Northern Nigeria.

It listed terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and violent extremism among the many threats requiring sustained intelligence-led operations, efficient collaboration amongst safety businesses and stronger institutional dedication.

Atiku requested to give attention to ADC challenges

The Arewa youth organisation urged the previous Vice-President to channel any real considerations concerning the conduct of the DSS by means of acceptable institutional channels, moderately than making public allegations with out proof.

It additionally suggested him to concentrate to inside disagreements and organisational challenges inside the ADC, saying political events ought to prioritise inside democracy, self-discipline and unity as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

The group maintained that the DSS was a nationwide establishment and shouldn’t be recognized with any political occasion or particular person.

It, nonetheless, cautioned that its place shouldn’t be interpreted as an try to defend the company from scrutiny, stressing that safety establishments should stay accountable and function inside the legislation.

“For us in Northern Nigeria, the significance of a useful, skilled and credible DSS can’t be overstated. We want the Service greater than ever, given the safety realities confronting our area.

“Our position is simple: National security must be bigger than partisan politics, and the safety of Nigerians must take precedence over every political ambition,” the group stated.

AYAGL known as on political leaders and their supporters to train restraint, insisting that political competitors ought to be primarily based on insurance policies, concepts and management programmes moderately than actions able to weakening public confidence in nationwide establishments.