TMS Challenges Atiku to Prove Alleged DSS Role in Sokoto Crisis

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 urged Atiku to submit any evidence in his possession to the appropriate authorities, insisting that allegations involving national security institutions should be subjected to impartial investigation and due process.

Atiku had reportedly accused the DSS of deploying protesters to disrupt his party’s campaign activities in Sokoto. The Service denied the allegation but announced that its Director-General had ordered an investigation into the matter.

In a statement signed on Wednesday by its Director, Strategic Communication, Adebisi O. Adams, the foundation acknowledged the right of political leaders to scrutinise public institutions and demand accountability.

However, it cautioned against politicising sensitive national security issues through allegations that had yet to be substantiated.

TMS Director-General, Marcel Ngogbehei, said claims of such magnitude required credible evidence, adding that public institutions responsible for national security should not be subjected to accusations without proper investigation.

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

The foundation maintained that political disagreements should not undermine national security or erode public confidence in institutions entrusted with protecting lives and maintaining public order.

It also noted that Atiku, as a former Vice-President and prominent national figure, should appreciate the potential consequences of making serious allegations against security agencies.

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

According to the Service, its operatives evacuated Daniya to safety after he came under attack, while two DSS personnel were assaulted and subsequently required hospital treatment.

The DSS further claimed that Daniya later contacted its Sokoto State Director to express appreciation for the intervention and request additional security reinforcement.

The foundation said the account, if established by the investigation, raised questions that should be reconciled with the allegation that the same Service was organising disruptions against the opposition.

Ngogbehei stressed that security agencies had a responsibility to protect Nigerians and safeguard democratic activities without regard to political affiliation.

“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.

While welcoming the DSS decision to investigate the allegation, TMS urged the Service to ensure that the process was thorough and impartial.

It also emphasised that defending the integrity of security institutions should not exempt their personnel from accountability, insisting that any officer found culpable of misconduct must 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.

The foundation further called on security agencies to maintain strict political neutrality and guarantee equal protection for the lawful activities of all political parties, candidates and supporters.

It warned that actual or perceived partisanship by security personnel could undermine public confidence, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of future elections.

TMS also appealed to political leaders across party lines to exercise restraint in their public comments on intelligence and national security matters, noting that Nigeria’s security challenges required cooperation among government institutions, political stakeholders, communities and citizens.

It stressed that credible elections depended not only on independent electoral institutions but also on 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, maintaining that 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,” Ngogbehei added.