Atiku Accuses Sokoto Government, Security Operatives of Plot to Disrupt ADC Rally

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Sokoto State Government and security operatives of attempting to frustrate the African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign in the state ahead of its planned rally.

Atiku made the allegations during a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, claiming that the party had been denied access to public facilities and logistical support, while protesters were allegedly being mobilised to disrupt its activities.

Atiku Alleges Protesters Are Being Mobilised

The ADC presidential candidate accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of recruiting protesters to create disturbances that could provide grounds for imposing a curfew and stopping the rally.

He identified an office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road in Sokoto as one of the locations where protesters were allegedly assembled, claiming that trucks were being used to transport them to strategic locations.

Atiku also alleged that commuters had been threatened and, in some cases, assaulted during the disturbances.

“This is not intelligence work. It is political interference dressed in official uniform. Security agencies exist to protect Nigerians and uphold the law, not to recruit protesters or help a political party manufacture a crisis,” he said.

He called on the security personnel allegedly involved to stop the mobilisation and carry out their duties without political bias.

ADC Candidate Accuses APC of Weakening Opposition

Atiku also accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of attempting to weaken opposition parties by encouraging their members to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He described the alleged strategy as political absorption and intimidation, warning that it could leave Nigeria with little meaningful opposition.

“The aim is to reduce Nigeria to a one-party state in all but name,” he said.

He further criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the economy, citing rising food, transport, fuel and electricity costs as pressures on households.

Atiku said the ADC would prioritise local production, food supply, employment and reducing the cost of doing business if elected in 2027. He also proposed a targeted production subsidy linked to fuel refined in Nigeria to support consumers and domestic industries.

Atiku Insists Sokoto Rally Will Hold

Despite the alleged obstacles, Atiku maintained that the ADC would proceed with its campaign and confirmed that he would personally attend the Sokoto rally on Wednesday.

“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 residents to avoid violence and called on security agencies to protect commuters, residents and supporters attending the rally.

Atiku also warned that any security officer found to have participated in efforts to restrict political activities should be held accountable under the law.

The allegations were made by Atiku at his Abuja news conference. The claims of security agency involvement and organised disruption were not independently established in the account provided.

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