Get Guardian on GoogleThe African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the leadership of the Department of State Services (DSS) of allegedly recruiting protesters to disrupt its campaign rally in Sokoto, warning against what it described as a calculated attempt to undermine opposition activities ahead of the 2027 general election.
The party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar made the allegation in a statement, claiming that public facilities meant for campaign activities had been blocked and logistical support withheld to frustrate the ADC’s planned rally in the state.
He described the developments as deliberate attempts to deny the opposition a level playing field, alleging that the planned protests were designed to create disorder and provide the APC-controlled state government with an excuse to impose a curfew.
More disturbing, he claimed, was information available to the party suggesting that some protesters had been mobilised from an office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road, with trucks stationed there and deployed to strategic locations, including a roundabout.
According to him, the protesters had caused traffic gridlock, threatened commuters and beaten some residents, while others had moved away from the roundabout in search of shade.
He called on security operatives allegedly involved in the mobilisation to stop immediately, insisting that security agencies should protect citizens and uphold the law rather than engage in partisan activities.
“This is not intelligence work. It is political interference dressed in official uniform,” he said.
The ADC candidate accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of devoting excessive attention to weakening credible opposition parties instead of addressing the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians.
He alleged that the government had pursued a policy of political intimidation and absorption of opposition figures into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with the ultimate objective of reducing Nigeria to a one-party state.
According to him, the government’s record on the economy, particularly the rising cost of food, transportation, fuel, electricity and other essential commodities, should be its major concern rather than attempts to frustrate opposition campaigns.
He said millions of Nigerians were struggling to feed their families, pay school fees and sustain their businesses, adding that the 2027 election would provide an opportunity for citizens to express their dissatisfaction through the ballot.
Outlining his economic priorities, the ADC candidate promised to make life affordable through increased local production, stronger food production, job creation and measures to reduce the cost of doing business.
He also proposed a targeted production subsidy tied to fuel refined in Nigeria, arguing that the policy would provide measurable relief to consumers while strengthening domestic industries.
The presidential candidate further criticised the APC over what he described as the poor turnout at its recent rally in Kaduna, saying the ruling party should regard the development as a warning that Nigerians were withdrawing their confidence.
He accused the government of resorting to intimidation and obstruction because of its declining popularity.
“The more this government tries to silence the people, the clearer it becomes that it has already lost their confidence,” he said.
Describing the 2027 general election as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy, he said the contest would go beyond political parties and candidates to determine whether Nigerians could freely choose a different direction for the country.
He vowed that the ADC would resist every attempt to exclude opposition parties from the electoral process, insisting that neither administrative restrictions nor intimidation would force the party into silence.
The candidate also confirmed that he would be in Sokoto on Wednesday, November 4, to address supporters, despite the alleged attempts to frustrate the rally.
He appealed to residents to remain peaceful and avoid being provoked into violence, urging security agencies to protect commuters, residents and rally participants without political bias.
He also called on the authorities to ensure that the ADC campaign proceeded without interference.
Addressing Nigerian voters, he urged them to defend their democratic rights and resist intimidation, stressing that the freedom to choose their leaders belonged to the people.
The candidate pledged to lead the ADC campaign without abandoning the political field, adding that officers who remained faithful to the Constitution would have the party’s support.
He warned that security personnel who allegedly colluded in suppressing political freedom would be held accountable under the law.
