Atiku accuses APC, DSS of plot to disrupt ADC rally in Sokoto
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in Sokoto State and the Department of State Services (DSS) of attempting to frustrate the African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign rally scheduled to hold in the state.
Atiku, the ADC presidential candidate, made the allegations while addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, claiming that the DSS was recruiting protesters to cause disorder and create a pretext for imposing a curfew that could prevent the rally from holding.
He also accused the state government of blocking public facilities meant to be available to political parties for legitimate campaign activities and denying the opposition logistical support.
“These are not harmless administrative delays. They are deliberate attempts to deny the ADC a level playing field,” he said.
Atiku further alleged that protesters had been mobilised from an office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road, with trucks conveying them to strategic locations, including a roundabout, where they were causing traffic congestion and allegedly threatening and assaulting commuters.
He accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of weakening opposition parties through intimidation and the recruitment of former opposition figures into the APC, alleging that the move was aimed at turning Nigeria into a one-party state.
The former vice-president also criticised the administration over the rising cost of living, promising that an ADC government would promote local production, increase food production, create jobs and reduce the cost of doing business. He also pledged to introduce a targeted production subsidy tied to fuel refined in Nigeria.
Atiku described the 2027 general election as a defining moment for the country’s democracy and vowed that the ADC would not be deterred from its campaign. He said he would visit Sokoto on Wednesday to address residents, urging them to remain peaceful and calling on security agencies to protect commuters, residents and rally participants without favour.
