Atiku accuses DSS of plotting to disrupt ADC rally in Sokoto
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Vanguard News
Reported by Urowayino Jeremiah
Tue, 3 Nov 2026, 16:47
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By Luminous Jannamike ABUJA — Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the leadership of the Department of State Services, DSS, of recruiting protesters to create disorder in Sokoto and provide a pretext for imposing a curfew to stop the party’s campaign rally. He said information available to the party indicated that protesters were being mobilised from an office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road, with trucks deployed to strategic locations, including a roundabout.
Context & Background
✦Atiku said the alleged plot was part of a broader attempt by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to frustrate opposition parties, undermine political competition and deny Nigerians the freedom to choose their leaders ahead of the 2027 general election.
Key Figures & Named Entities
2027:Atiku said the alleged plot was part of a broader attempt by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to frustrate opposition parties, undermine political competition and deny Nigerians the freedom to choose their leaders ahead of the 2027 general election.Tuesday:Briefing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the former vice president alleged that public facilities meant for campaign activities had been blocked and logistical support withheld in Sokoto, describing the developments as deliberate efforts to deny the ADC a level playing field.2027:“The more this government tries to silence the people, the clearer it becomes that it has already lost their confidence.” Atiku said the 2027 general election would be a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history, insisting that the contest was not merely between political parties or candidates but between a government he accused of indifference to citizens’ suffering and Nigerians determined to make their votes count.
Outlook & Next Steps
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Key Takeaways
Verified Extract
✦By Luminous Jannamike ABUJA — Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the leadership of the Department of State Services, DSS, of recruiting protesters to create disorder in Sokoto and provide a pretext for imposing a curfew to stop the party’s campaign rally.
✦He said information available to the party indicated that protesters were being mobilised from an office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road, with trucks deployed to strategic locations, including a roundabout.
✦Atiku said the alleged plot was part of a broader attempt by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to frustrate opposition parties, undermine political competition and deny Nigerians the freedom to choose their leaders ahead of the 2027 general election.
Key Facts:2027: Atiku said the alleged plot was part of a broader attempt by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to frustrate opposition parties, undermine political competition and deny Nigerians the freedom to choose their leaders ahead of the 2027 general election.Tuesday: Briefing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the former vice president alleged that public facilities meant for campaign activities had been blocked and logistical support withheld in Sokoto, describing the developments as deliberate efforts to deny the ADC a level playing field.2027: “The more this government tries to silence the people, the clearer it becomes that it has already lost their confidence.” Atiku said the 2027 general election would be a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history, insisting that the contest was not merely between political parties or candidates but between a government he accused of indifference to citizens’ suffering and Nigerians determined to make their votes count.Wednesday: He vowed that the ADC would resist what he described as administrative roadblocks and underhand manoeuvres designed to exclude the opposition, adding that he would be in Sokoto on Wednesday to address residents.
Editorial Excerpt
By Luminous Jannamike ABUJA — Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the leadership of the Department of State Services, DSS, of recruiting protesters to create disorder in Sokoto and provide a pretext for imposing a...
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What is the latest development regarding Department of State Services?
By Luminous Jannamike ABUJA — Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the leadership of the Department of State Services, DSS, of recruiting protesters to create disorder in Sokoto and provide a pretext for imposing a curfew to stop the party’s campaign rally.
Who are the key organizations or public figures mentioned?
He said information available to the party indicated that protesters were being mobilised from an office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road, with trucks deployed to strategic locations, including a roundabout.
What timeline or key figures were confirmed?
Atiku said the alleged plot was part of a broader attempt by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to frustrate opposition parties, undermine political competition and deny Nigerians the freedom to choose their leaders ahead of the 2027 general election.