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, warning that such allegations could undermine public confidence in critical national security institutions.
The group accused the former Vice-President of making allegations against the DSS over its purported involvement in plans to disrupt the political activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State without allowing verifiable evidence to establish the facts.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its President, Alhaji Danbature Abdul-Hamid, AYAGL said political leaders must exercise restraint when commenting on sensitive national security matters, stressing that the DSS should be allowed to concentrate on its constitutional responsibilities.
The organisation acknowledged the right of political leaders to demand accountability from public institutions but maintained that allegations against a critical security agency must be backed by credible evidence rather than partisan considerations.
It said the DSS remains central to Nigeria’s internal security architecture, particularly in intelligence gathering, combating threats to national stability and protecting democratic institutions.
AYAGL also commended the Director-General of the Service, Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, for what it described as ongoing institutional reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights and operational efficiency.
The group particularly cited the reported rescue of ADC governorship candidate, Mannir Daniya, by DSS operatives during an attack in Sokoto State on October 31, despite two personnel of the agency sustaining injuries.
According to the organisation, the incident demonstrates the importance of security agencies providing protection without discrimination, irrespective of 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.
The Arewa group expressed concern that persistent political controversies surrounding security agencies could distract them from addressing the worsening security situation across Northern Nigeria.
It identified terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, violent extremism and other criminal activities as major threats requiring stronger intelligence-led operations, effective inter-agency collaboration and sustained institutional commitment.
AYAGL therefore urged Atiku to channel any genuine concerns about the DSS through appropriate institutional mechanisms and allow credible investigations to establish the facts.
The group also advised the former Vice-President to pay greater attention to the internal challenges and disagreements within his political platform, the ADC, rather than allowing national security institutions to become subjects of recurring partisan exchanges.
It said political parties should prioritise internal democracy, organisational discipline and unity of purpose as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
AYAGL further stressed that the DSS was a national institution that belonged to neither a political party nor an individual, insisting that its personnel must be allowed to discharge their responsibilities professionally and impartially.
“As 2027 approaches, we urge all political actors, particularly those aspiring to lead this country, to demonstrate maturity and a strong sense of patriotism. Political competition should be about ideas, policies, leadership capacity and the development of Nigeria, not the weakening of public confidence in institutions responsible for protecting the lives and security of citizens,” it stated.
The organisation, however, cautioned that its support for the DSS should not be interpreted as an attempt to shield the agency from legitimate scrutiny, insisting that the Service must continue to uphold transparency, professionalism, impartiality and accountability.
It maintained that defending public institutions also required encouraging them to operate within the law and adhere to the highest standards of public service.
“For us in Northern Nigeria, the importance of a functional, professional and credible DSS cannot be overstated. We need the Service more than ever, given the security realities confronting our region.
“Our position is simple: National security must be bigger than partisan politics, and the safety of Nigerians must take precedence over every political ambition,” the group declared.
AYAGL called on political leaders to avoid actions capable of weakening national institutions, adding that Nigeria needed strong security agencies, responsible political leadership and a united commitment to national security.