Arewa Youths Tell Atiku To Stop Dragging DSS Into Partisan Politics

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has urged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to stop dragging the Department of State Services (DSS) into partisan politics and allow the agency to concentrate on addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

The group said allegations by Atiku that the DSS was involved in plans to disrupt the political activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State should be backed by verifiable evidence rather than public accusations.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja and signed by its President, Alhaji Danbature Abdul-Hamid, AYAGL said national security institutions should not be subjected to unnecessary political distractions, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

The organisation acknowledged the right of political leaders to demand accountability from public institutions but cautioned against making allegations that could undermine public confidence in critical national security agencies.

It described the DSS as a vital institution responsible for protecting Nigeria’s internal security, gathering intelligence, preventing threats to national stability and safeguarding democratic institutions.

The group also commended the leadership of the DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, for what it described as ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights and operational efficiency.

AYAGL particularly cited the October 31 incident in Sokoto State, where DSS operatives reportedly rescued ADC governorship candidate, Mannir Daniya, during an attack, despite two of the agency’s personnel sustaining injuries.

According to the group, the incident demonstrated the importance of security agencies protecting Nigerians without discrimination based on political affiliation.

“National security must never be subordinated to partisan interests. The protection of Nigerians, their freedom, democratic rights and the territorial integrity of the country must remain the overriding responsibility of every security institution,” the statement said.

AYAGL expressed concern that continued political controversies surrounding security agencies could distract them from tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, violent extremism and other criminal activities confronting communities across Northern Nigeria.

It urged Atiku to exercise restraint in his public comments about the DSS, advising him to channel any genuine concerns through appropriate institutional mechanisms and allow credible investigations to establish the facts.

The group also advised the former Vice-President to focus on resolving internal disagreements and strengthening political cohesion within the ADC ahead of the 2027 elections.

It said political parties should demonstrate organisational discipline, internal democracy and unity of purpose rather than allowing national security institutions to become subjects of recurring partisan exchanges.

The organisation stressed that the DSS was neither the property of any political party nor an instrument of any individual or administration, but a national institution whose responsibilities transcend political affiliations.

“Defending an institution does not mean placing it above legitimate scrutiny; rather, it means encouraging it to perform its duties in accordance with the law and the highest standards of public service,” AYAGL added.

The group further urged political actors and presidential aspirants to demonstrate patriotism and maturity, insisting that political competition should centre on ideas, policies, leadership capacity and national development.

It maintained that Nigeria needs strong security institutions and responsible political leadership, warning against attempts to sacrifice national security on the altar of political disagreements.