DSS Tightens Security Around Atiku, Peter Obi, 16 Others

The Department of State Services (DSS) has intensified security arrangements for presidential candidates and their running mates ahead of the 2027 general elections, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and 16 other presidential contenders among those receiving enhanced protection.

The strengthened security measures also cover governorship candidates and their running mates across the country, while candidates contesting National and State Assembly seats in areas considered vulnerable to political violence are being placed under closer surveillance.

According to Ireporter Online, the enhanced security arrangements followed a directive from President Bola Tinubu, who is said to have instructed security agencies to provide adequate protection for all presidential candidates throughout the electioneering period, regardless of their political affiliations.

A security source explained that the directive was intended to ensure a level playing field and allow candidates to conduct their campaigns without security restrictions or intimidation.

“Tinubu is determined to win a free and fair poll. As a democrat, he has security agencies to ensure a level-playing field for all,” the source said.

The source added that the DSS had increased the number of personnel assigned to protective duties, with some candidates also providing specifications for their preferred security arrangements.

“The DSS has beefed up security for presidential candidates and their deputies. Some of them have even come up with specifications of their security architecture,” the source stated.

“All the candidates are being taken care of. The DSS is deploying enough manpower for protective duties.”

The development comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the list of candidates contesting various governorship and State House of Assembly positions in the 2027 elections.

Among the presidential candidates are Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC).

Other presidential candidates on the list include Sandy Onor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Donald Duke of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Okwori Adam Elizabeth Frederick of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Chukwu Anita Zugwai of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Rufai Adekunle Omoaje of the Action Alliance (AA), and Adenuga Sunday of the Boot Party (BP).

The list also includes Memeh Samuel of the Democratic Labour Alliance (DLA), Anyanwu Daniel Danerechukwu of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Okereke Sunday Chibuzor of the Labour Party (LP), Okereke Iken Esther of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Abbas-Bin Aliyu of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Dikwa Suleiman Mohammed of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Adebayo Adewole Ebenezer of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Makinde Oluseyi Abiodun of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and Yusuf Kabiru of the Action Peoples Party (APP).

The protective arrangements extend to vice-presidential candidates, including Kashim Shettima of the APC, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the NDC, Rotimi Amaechi of the ADC, Shehu Hussaini of the AA, Egbeola Olawale Mertins of the YPP, Ike Chinazam of the ADP, and Mustapha Usman Turaki of the BP.

Other vice-presidential candidates covered include Balogun Alex of the DLA, Chikwuemeka Uchenna Anthony of the NDP, Haruna Garba Magashi of the AAC, Umara Babangida of the PDP, Konto Hajja Bintu of the LP, Hassan Khalid of the ZLP, Samuel Magdalene Gali of the NRM, Abubakar Isah of the NNPP, Buba Musa of the PRP, Bugaje Usman Mohammed of the ADP, Ibrahim Adamu Bala of the APM, and Ofordile Peace Egobia of the APP.

The security source stressed that the DSS was not discriminating among candidates based on their political affiliations, campaign messages or party platforms.

“The overall aim is to ensure a campaign for all free of inhibitions and a hitch-free election,” the source said.

Beyond the presidential contest, the agency has extended its security coverage to governorship candidates and their deputies nationwide.

According to the source, states considered potential flashpoints have been identified and placed under increased surveillance, particularly in preparation for National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections.

“All the governorship candidates and their deputies are also enjoying security cover from the DSS,” the source said.

He added that security agencies were paying particular attention to locations where political activities could potentially trigger violence.

“States likely to be flashpoints have been identified and placed under surveillance for National Assembly and State House of Assembly Elections,” he added.

The expanded security measures are expected to remain in place throughout the electioneering period as security agencies work to protect political candidates, prevent violence and support a peaceful electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.