2027: DSS Tightens Security Around Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, Kwankwaso, Others

The Department of State Services (DSS) has intensified security around leading contenders in the 2027 presidential election as political parties prepare to commence a more active phase of their campaigns.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso are among the prominent politicians covered by the new security arrangements.

The measure, according to a security source, is not restricted to the leading opposition figures. Presidential candidates across the political divide and their running mates are also being provided with protective security as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.

Governorship candidates and their deputies are similarly covered, while security operatives have begun paying closer attention to areas considered vulnerable to electoral violence.

The development coincided with the release by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the names and details of candidates contesting the 2027 governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

A security source said the expanded protection was ordered by President Bola Tinubu as part of efforts to guarantee a peaceful electoral process and protect politicians regardless of their political interests.

The source said the President had directed security agencies to maintain a non-partisan approach to the protection of candidates, even where their campaign activities or political rhetoric could become heated.

“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 official explained that the DSS had already deployed additional personnel for the protection of presidential candidates and their running mates.

“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 said.

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

The security arrangement is also expected to cover the campaign movements of governorship candidates as political activities increase in the states.

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

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

Beyond providing personal protection, the DSS has reportedly begun identifying locations where the likelihood of clashes or other security threats is considered high.

The source said states and areas regarded as potential flashpoints had been placed under surveillance, particularly in relation to contests for the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.

According to the source, the DSS initiative does not replace the responsibilities of the police or other security organisations. Instead, it forms part of a wider security strategy involving various agencies ahead of the elections.

Atiku is expected to contest under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with Amaechi as his running mate, while Obi is associated with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket alongside Kwankwaso.

President Tinubu is the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Other presidential candidates listed in the material released by the electoral commission include Senator Sandy Onor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC), 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) and Rufai Adekunle Omoaje of the Accord Alliance, among others.

The electoral commission also released contestants across the states.

In Ogun, eight governorship candidates were listed, including ADC’s Jimi Adebisi Lawal, APC’s Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, PDP’s Oladipupo Adebutu and candidates sponsored by Accord, APM, NDP, NNPP and SDP.

The Labour Party did not appear on the Ogun list following the legal dispute surrounding the leadership of its state chapter.

Oyo also recorded a competitive field, with Senator Sharafadeen Alli of the APC, Bimbo Adekanmbi of the APM, Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke of the ADC and Hazeem Gbolarumi of the PDP among those listed by INEC.

Other political parties, including the PRP, AAC, APGA, SDP, ZLP, ADP, LP, APP, NDC, NNPP, NRM and NDP, also have candidates in the Oyo race.

In Nasarawa, former Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar Adamu was not among the governorship candidates published by INEC. Adamu had reportedly secured the SDP ticket after leaving the APC, where he lost the party’s nomination to Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada.

The Nasarawa list includes Wadada and candidates representing the SDP, APP, LP, ADC, PDP, APGA, ADP, PRP, ZLP, APM, AA, YPP, NDC and Accord.

Rivers State is also set for a crowded contest, with candidates from several political parties listed for the governorship election. They include APC’s Chinda Kingsley Ogundu, NDC’s Lulu-Briggs Dumo Owukori and ADC’s Gabriel Pidomson.

INEC also published the details of candidates seeking seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly, with major parties such as the PDP, APC, NDC and ADC presenting candidates in all 32 constituencies.

Bayelsa will not have a governorship election in 2027, but the state will witness contests for its 24 House of Assembly seats. INEC listed 250 candidates for the legislative election, with APC, PDP, SDP and ADC among the parties fielding candidates in all the constituencies.

In Kwara, the electoral commission listed APC candidate Yakubu Danladi Salihu alongside candidates from the ADP, SDP, Accord, NDC, APP, AA, APM, PDP, APGA and NNPP.

Edo will similarly not hold a governorship election next year. However, the State House of Assembly election will be contested by candidates from several parties, including the APC, NDC, PDP, ADC, Labour Party and Zenith Labour Party. Some serving lawmakers, including Deputy Speaker Atu Osawonyi, were reportedly absent from the published list.

Sokoto is among the states where a governorship election will take place, with 19 candidates listed by INEC. They include incumbent Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto of the APC, Abdullah Sokoto Abubakar of the PDP, Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya of the ADC and Aliyu Shamsudeen Ahmad of the NDC.