Atiku made the declaration on Wednesday during the formal flag-off of the ADC presidential campaign in Sokoto State, where he urged Nigerians to support the opposition party and vote for its candidates in the forthcoming elections.
The former Vice-President said restoring security across the country remained one of his major promises to Nigerians, stressing that his administration, if elected, would prioritise measures to address the persistent insecurity affecting different parts of the country.
“I enumerated some of the promises I made to Nigerians. One of the promises is to make sure that security is restored in every part of this country,” he said.
Atiku explained that Sokoto was deliberately chosen to host the campaign flag-off because of its historical significance and reputation for peace.
He recalled the commitments he made during his previous presidential campaigns, saying his latest engagement provided an opportunity to renew his determination to address the country’s security challenges.
The ADC presidential candidate also called on Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process and vote for the party in 2027, expressing confidence in its political mission and capacity to bring about a change in the country’s leadership.
The campaign flag-off marked the formal commencement of Atiku’s presidential campaign activities in Sokoto State, attracting ADC leaders, party supporters and political stakeholders from different parts of the country. <Cite refs={[“turn206518search0″,”turn206518search1”]}/>
Atiku Accuses APC, DSS of Plot to Disrupt Campaign
The presidential candidate’s declaration came a day after he accused the Sokoto State Government and the Department of State Services (DSS) of allegedly plotting to disrupt the ADC’s campaign activities in the state.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Atiku alleged that the DSS was recruiting protesters to create disturbances in Sokoto, with the intention of provoking a situation that could provide justification for imposing a curfew and stopping the opposition party’s rally.
He also accused the state government of denying the ADC access to public facilities and logistical support needed to organise its campaign activities, describing the alleged restrictions as deliberate attempts to deny the party a level playing field.
Atiku insisted that the party would not abandon its campaign plans despite the alleged intimidation and restrictions.
The former Vice-President’s concerns followed reports of an attack on the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Muhammad Dan’iya, whose convoy was reportedly attacked by gunmen near the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport on October 31.
The party had also complained that its campaign office was sealed and alleged that the state government was making it difficult for its leaders and supporters to organise political activities.
DSS Orders Investigation, Denies Allegation
The Department of State Services subsequently rejected Atiku’s allegation that it was recruiting protesters to disrupt the ADC campaign.
In a statement issued through its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the agency said the allegation was inconsistent with its operations and efforts to provide security for political actors across party lines.
The DSS cited the October 31 incident involving Dan’iya, claiming that its operatives had evacuated the ADC governorship candidate to safety during the attack.
The agency further disclosed that two of its operatives were assaulted during the incident and were receiving medical treatment.
It also stated that Dan’iya personally contacted the State Director of the DSS in Sokoto to appreciate the operatives’ intervention and request additional security reinforcement.
Despite rejecting Atiku’s allegations, the DSS said its Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, had ordered an investigation into the claims.
The service said the investigation was being undertaken in deference to the former Vice-President, even as it maintained that its personnel remained committed to protecting political actors irrespective of party affiliation. <Cite refs={[“turn565308search1″,”turn565308search7″,”turn565308search4”]}/>
ADC Insists on Political Participation
Despite the controversy, Atiku proceeded with the campaign flag-off, maintaining that no attempt to frustrate the party would prevent it from reaching Nigerians and presenting its political agenda.
He urged residents of Sokoto and other parts of the country to remain peaceful and participate in the democratic process without intimidation.
The former Vice-President’s appearance in Sokoto also marked an important step in the ADC’s efforts to strengthen its political presence in the North-West ahead of the 2027 elections.
The campaign comes amid increasing political realignments and growing competition between opposition parties and the ruling APC as preparations for the next general elections intensify.
Atiku’s latest remarks place insecurity at the centre of his campaign message, with the former Vice-President presenting the restoration of safety across the country as a major priority of his proposed administration.
