TMS challenges Atiku to provide evidence against DSS

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 mobilised protesters to disrupt the African Democratic Congress campaign in Sokoto State.

According to the statement signed by its Director, Strategic communication ,
Adebisi O. Adams, urged Atiku to submit any evidence in his possession to the appropriate authorities, insisting that allegations against national security institutions must be subjected to impartial investigation rather than used for political advantage.

Atiku, the ADC presidential candidate, reportedly accused the DSS of deploying protesters to disrupt his party’s campaign activities in Sokoto. The secret police denied the allegation but said its Director-General had ordered an investigation.

Reacting to the controversy, TMS Director-General, Marcel Ngogbehei, acknowledged the right of political leaders to demand accountability from public institutions but warned against making unsubstantiated claims involving national security agencies.

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

He said Atiku, as a former Vice-President and prominent political figure, should appreciate the consequences of allegations capable of undermining public confidence in institutions responsible for protecting lives and maintaining national security.

The foundation maintained that political disagreements should not be allowed to compromise national security or erode public trust in security agencies.

It, however, stressed that the DSS must remain accountable, professional and politically neutral in the discharge of its responsibilities.

TMS also drew attention to the DSS account of an October 31, 2026 incident involving the 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 of its personnel were assaulted and subsequently required hospital treatment.

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

Ngogbehei said the account, if established by the investigation, raised questions that should be reconciled with the allegation that the same agency was organising attacks against the opposition.

“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.

The TMS director-general welcomed the DSS decision to investigate the allegation, urging Atiku to cooperate with the authorities and provide any material evidence available to him.

He also called on the DSS to ensure that the investigation was thorough and impartial, adding that any officer found culpable should face appropriate sanctions.

“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 added.

He warned that actual or perceived political bias by security personnel could undermine public confidence, particularly as political activities ahead of the next general election intensify.

The foundation urged security agencies to guarantee equal protection for all political parties, candidates and supporters, irrespective of their political affiliations.

It also appealed to political leaders 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 and citizens.

Ngogbehei said 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.

“Our democracy needs a responsible opposition, professional security agencies and leaders who place the national interest above political differences,” he said.

The foundation reaffirmed its commitment to constructive political engagement, institutional accountability and democratic stability, insisting that allegations of wrongdoing should be resolved through evidence, due process and the rule of law.