Atiku Accuses Security Service of Plot to Disrupt Sokoto Campaign Launch

Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria's former vice president and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, accused the State Security Service on 3 November of recruiting protesters to disrupt his party's campaign launch in Sokoto. Speaking at a press address in Abuja, he said the launch would go ahead on 4 November despite what he described as intimidation. Atiku alleged that the plan was to create disorder that would allow the state government, led by the All Progressives Congress, to impose a curfew and stop the gathering. He also alleged that public facilities and logistical support had been withheld from the ADC. These were allegations by the candidate, rather than independently established findings about the security service's conduct. "Our campaign will proceed," Atiku said. He said he would travel to Sokoto the following day and urged residents to remain peaceful. He also called on security agencies to protect campaign participants and commuters impartially, while maintaining public order. Campaign spokesperson Phrank Shaibu confirmed that Atiku had delivered the address and supplied its text. Shaibu said ADC representatives had approached the police, the State Security Service, also known as the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to seek protection for the event. He said the party had received assurances from those agencies.