DSS TAkes Action, Strengthens Protection For Atiku, Peter Obi, Other Presidential Candidates

The Department of State Services (DSS) has stepped up 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 covered by the enhanced measures.

Bush Radio Academy reports that the security reinforcement also extends to governorship candidates and their running mates across the country, while candidates seeking seats in the National and State Houses of Assembly in areas considered vulnerable to political violence are also receiving increased security attention.

The expanded security measures were reportedly approved following a directive from President Bola Tinubu, who is said to have instructed security agencies to ensure that all presidential candidates receive adequate protection throughout the electioneering period.

The development comes shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the list of candidates for the 2027 governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

A security source said the President directed relevant agencies to protect all presidential candidates regardless of their political affiliations, campaign positions or criticisms of the administration.

According to the source, the objective is to provide a secure environment that will allow candidates to campaign freely and participate in the electoral process without unnecessary security threats.

The DSS has reportedly deployed additional personnel for protective duties, with some candidates also providing specific requirements concerning their preferred security arrangements.

The presidential candidates covered by the security measures include Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC).

Other presidential contenders 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).

Also included are 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 also cover vice-presidential candidates across the various political parties.

Among them are 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 Boot Party.

Others receiving protection 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 maintained that the DSS was not applying political considerations in determining which candidates should receive protection.

The agency is said to be focused on ensuring that all candidates can carry out their campaign activities safely while contributing to a peaceful and credible electoral process.

Beyond the presidential contest, the DSS has also extended security coverage to governorship candidates and their deputies across the federation.

Additional surveillance is being directed towards states and locations identified as potential flashpoints, particularly areas where political activities could trigger violence during the election period.

The security measures also cover candidates contesting National Assembly and State House of Assembly seats in vulnerable areas, with the DSS expected to maintain surveillance and work with other security agencies to prevent threats to candidates, supporters and residents.

The latest development is part of broader preparations by security agencies to strengthen safety and maintain order as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections