The Tinubu Movement for Sustainable Governance Foundation (TMS) has challenged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to provide credible evidence to substantiate his allegation that the Department of State Services (DSS) mobilised protesters to disrupt the campaign activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State.
The pro-Tinubu support group also called for an impartial investigation into the allegation, warning against the politicisation of sensitive national security issues.
Atiku had reportedly accused the DSS of mobilising protesters to disrupt the ADC’s campaign activities in Sokoto State. The secret police, however, denied the allegation, announcing that its Director-General had ordered an investigation into the matter.
Reacting to the controversy in a statement issued on Wednesday, TMS Director-General, Marcel Ngogbehei, acknowledged the right of political leaders to scrutinise public institutions and demand accountability but cautioned against making unsubstantiated allegations against national security agencies.
Ngogbehei said allegations involving institutions responsible for protecting lives and maintaining national security should be backed by credible evidence and subjected to due process.
“These are serious accusations. They deserve credible evidence, due process and an impartial investigation,” he said.
The TMS director-general argued that national security should not be reduced to an instrument of partisan advantage, adding that Atiku, given his experience as a former Vice-President and prominent national figure, should appreciate the implications of making serious allegations against security institutions.
The foundation maintained that political disagreements should not undermine national security or public confidence in government institutions, while insisting that security agencies must remain professional, accountable and politically neutral.
It 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 DSS, its operatives evacuated Daniya to safety after he came under attack, while two of its personnel were assaulted and subsequently required hospital treatment.
The Service further claimed that the ADC candidate later contacted its Sokoto State Director to express appreciation and request additional security reinforcement.
TMS said the account, if established by the ongoing investigation, raised questions that needed to be reconciled with the allegation that the same security agency was organising disruptions against the opposition party.
“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 stated.
The group welcomed the DSS decision to investigate the allegation, urging Atiku to submit whatever evidence he might have to the appropriate authorities and cooperate with the investigation.
However, it also charged the secret police to ensure that the probe was thorough and impartial, stressing that any officer found culpable should be held accountable.
“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 added.
Ngogbehei further urged security agencies to maintain strict political neutrality and guarantee equal protection for the lawful activities of all political parties, candidates and supporters.
He warned that actual or perceived partisanship by security personnel could erode public confidence, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election intensify.
The TMS director-general also appealed to political leaders across party lines 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.
He stressed that credible elections required not only independent electoral institutions but also a secure environment where political parties could campaign peacefully and citizens exercise their democratic rights without intimidation.
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.
“Our democracy needs a responsible opposition, professional security agencies and leaders who place the national interest above political differences,” Ngogbehei said.
Source: Politics Archives – New Telegraph
