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From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders have demanded evidence and an impartial probe into the allegations made by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, against the Department of State Services (DSS).
Atiku had accused the secret police of mobilising protesters to disrupt his party’s campaign activities in Sokoto State, an allegation the DSS has denied, with its Director-General ordering an investigation.
However, reacting to the development, the APC stakeholders, under the auspices of the Tinubu Movement for Sustainable Governance Foundation (TMS), 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 had yet to be substantiated.
TMS Director-General Marcel Ngogbehei, in a statement by the Director, Strategic Communication, Adebisi Adams, noted: “These are serious accusations. They deserve credible evidence, due process and an impartial investigation.”
The Director-General of the stakeholders associated with the campaign slogan Tinubu Must Stay emphasised that “national security should not be reduced to an instrument of partisan advantage. As a former Vice-President and prominent national figure, Atiku Abubakar should appreciate the potential consequences of serious allegations against institutions entrusted with protecting lives and maintaining national security.”
The ruling party’s stakeholders further warned that political disagreements must not be allowed to undermine national security or public confidence in institutions, stressing that security agencies themselves must remain accountable, professional and politically neutral.
They drew particular attention to the DSS’s account of the incident of 31 October 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, requiring hospital treatment.
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Reacting further, TMS stated that the account, if established by the investigation, raised 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.
Welcoming the DSS decision to investigate the allegation, the TMS Director-General urged Atiku to submit any evidence available to him and cooperate with the appropriate authorities.
Ngogbehei also called on the DSS to ensure that its investigation was thorough and impartial, and that any misconduct established through due process attracted 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 noted.
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 intensified.
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 required cooperation among institutions, political stakeholders, communities and citizens.
