Tinubu Supporters Tackle Atiku On DSS Claims, Demand Evidence, Impartial Probe

The Tinubu Movement for Sustainable Governance Foundation, foundly called Tinubu Must Stay(TMS),has challenged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to substantiate his allegations against the Department of State Services (DSS), saying claims involving national security institutions should be supported by credible evidence and subjected to impartial investigation.

Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate reportedly accused the DSS of mobilising protesters to disrupt his party’s campaign activities in Sokoto State. The DSS denied the allegation and said its Director-General had ordered an investigation.

Reacting to the controversy, TMS Director-General Marcel Ngogbehei, acknowledged the constitutional right of political leaders to scrutinise public institutions and demand accountability but cautioned against politicising sensitive national security matters through allegations that have yet to be substantiated.

Ngogbehei in a statement signed by the Director, Strategic Communication of TMS, Adebisi Adams, said; “these are serious accusations. They deserve credible evidence, due process and an impartial investigation,” Ngogbehei said.

According to him, national security should not be reduced to an instrument of partisan advantage.

As a former Vice-President and prominent national figure, he said Atiku Abubakar should appreciate the potential consequences of serious allegations against institutions entrusted with protecting lives and maintaining national security.

TMS said political disagreements must not be allowed to undermine national security or public confidence in institutions, while stressing that security agencies themselves must remain accountable, professional and politically neutral.

The Foundation drew particular attention to the DSS’s account of an 31 October 2026 incident involving Sokoto ADC governorship candidate Mannir Daniya. According to the DSS, its operatives evacuated Daniya to safety after he came under attack, while two DSS personnel were assaulted and required hospital treatment.

The Service further said Daniya subsequently contacted its Sokoto State Director to express appreciation and request additional reinforcement.

TMS said that account, if established by the investigation, raises important questions that should be reconciled with the allegation that the same Service was organising disruption 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,” Ngogbehei said.

The TMS Director-General welcomed the DSS decision to investigate the allegation and urged Atiku Abubakar to submit any evidence available to him and cooperate with the appropriate authorities. The DSS has publicly confirmed that an investigation was ordered despite rejecting the allegation.

At the same time, Ngogbehei called on the DSS to ensure that its investigation is thorough and impartial, and that any misconduct established through due process attracts appropriate accountability.

“Let there be no misunderstanding: 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,” he said.

He further urged security agencies to maintain strict political neutrality and guarantee equal protection for the lawful activities of all political parties, candidates and supporters, warning that actual or perceived partisanship by security personnel could damage public confidence as political activities intensify.

Ngogbehei also called on political leaders across party lines to exercise restraint in their public statements on intelligence and national security matters, noting that Nigeria’s security challenges require cooperation among institutions, political stakeholders, communities and citizens.

He stressed that credible elections require not only independent electoral institutions but also a secure environment in which political parties can campaign peacefully and citizens can exercise their democratic rights without intimidation.

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

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