Atiku accuses SSS of planning to disrupt his campaign launch in Sokoto

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), on Tuesday claimed that the State Security Service (SSS) was hiring protesters to disrupt his campaign launch in Sokoto scheduled for Wednesday.

Speaking to journalists, Atiku said the protesters were being gathered to cause enough chaos for the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Sokoto State Government to impose a curfew and stop the event.

He pointed out an office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road as one of the alleged gathering spots. He also claimed that trucks were bringing protesters to various locations, including a roundabout.

Atiku mentioned that the protesters had already started blocking traffic, threatening drivers, and attacking some residents.

Phrank Shaibu, his campaign spokesperson, later shared a copy of the speech with PREMIUM TIMES. He confirmed that Atiku delivered the address.

These claims have not been verified by independent sources.

Atiku also accused the state government of preventing the ADC from using public facilities and withholding support. He said these actions were part of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections. He warned security agencies to stay out of political matters.

Despite these challenges, he stated he would go ahead with the launch. "Our campaign will proceed, and I will be in Sokoto tomorrow, God willing, to address the good people of the state," he said.

He urged his supporters to stay calm and called on security agencies to protect both residents and participants fairly.

These accusations came a day after the Sokoto State Government announced it had sealed an ADC campaign office.

The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Dantsoho, said records indicated that the building belonged to the defunct Savannah Bank and there was no proof of ownership transfer.

He stated that the government had contacted the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) for clarification. He also mentioned that due to a recent confrontation involving political supporters, the premises were sealed until they received a response. Anyone trying to enter without permission would face prosecution, he warned.

An aide to the ADC governorship candidate confirmed the commissioner’s visit and the government’s investigation into the building’s occupants, according to a report by Channels Television.

Amnesty International also spoke against the closure, saying the state government was using the ownership dispute to limit opposition activities and infringe on freedom of association.

Shaibu challenged the state’s right to seal the property. He acknowledged it belonged to Savannah Bank but insisted that the Sokoto State Government had no claim to it.

He noted that political parties had used the building for nearly twenty years, most recently the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Shaibu mentioned he visited the premises on Tuesday morning and saw no physical barriers to access. "As of this morning, when I visited the premises, there was no physical restriction on access. Some minor work was being carried out at the site," he said.

His statement did not clarify if the sealing order had been enforced before or if access had been restored later. The campaign did not provide documents proving its right to use the property.

Shaibu said ADC leaders had reported threats to the police, SSS, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). He claimed these agencies assured the party that its campaign venue would be secure from interference by the Sokoto Marshals.

He insisted that the Marshals had no legal power to close the venue.

While Atiku accused the SSS leadership of recruiting protesters, Shaibu said the agency was one of those contacted for protection.

This dispute follows an alleged attack on the convoy of his ADC governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, near the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport on October 30.

Dan’iya accused Sokoto Marshals and the state Community Guard of blocking his convoy, shooting at it, and damaging his vehicle.

The Sokoto APC rejected claims of politically motivated violence, stating that security measures were related to preparations for a traditional title conferment ceremony. The Sokoto State Police Command said it is currently investigating the matter.

The ADC had initially planned to launch its presidential campaign on October 31 but moved the date to November 4.

Shaibu said the party was still waiting for its leadership to announce a new location for Wednesday’s event. He noted that the delay was intentional and strategic.