A political pressure group, Tinubu Movement for Sustainable Governance Foundation (TMS), has called on leaders across political parties to exercise restraint in their public statements on intelligence and national security matters.

The ​‌‌​‍​‌‍⁠⁠‍‌⁠‌‌⁠‌‍⁠‌​foundation’s Director-General, Mr Marcel Ngogbehei, made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, while reacting to comments made by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar on national security institutions.

Atiku, who is the 2027 African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, had accused Department of State Services (DSS) of mobilising protesters to disrupt his party’s campaign in Sokoto State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the allegation had since been denied by DSS, with its Director-General ordering an investigation into the matter.

Ngogbehei acknowledged the right of political leaders to scrutinise public institutions and demand accountability, but cautioned against politicising sensitive national security matters through substantiated allegations.

“These are serious accusations; they deserve credible evidence, due process and an impartial investigation,” Ngogbehei said, adding that national security should not be reduced to an instrument of partisan advantage.

He, therefore, called on Atiku to substantiate his allegations against DSS and support it with credible evidence that should be subjected to impartial investigation.

Ngogbehei added that as a former vice-president and prominent national figure, Atiku should appreciate the potential consequences of serious allegations against institutions entrusted with protecting lives and maintaining national security.

He cautioned that political disagreements must not be allowed to undermine national security or public confidence in institutions, maintaining that security agencies must remain accountable, professional and politically neutral.

“Our security agencies carry the enormous responsibility of protecting Nigerians, maintaining public order and safeguarding democratic activities, regardless of political affiliation.

“Their professionalism, independence and credibility must not become casualties of political competition,” the foundation’s director-general said.

While welcoming the DSS decision to investigate the allegation, he urged Atiku to submit any evidence available to him and cooperate with the appropriate authorities.

Ngogbehei called on DSS to ensure that its investigation was thorough and impartial, adding that any misconduct established through due process should attract appropriate accountability.

“Let there be no misunderstanding: defending the integrity of our security institutions does not mean placing them above scrutiny.

“Every credible allegation of misconduct should be investigated, and any officer found culpable should be held accountable,” he said.

Ngogbehei urged security agencies to maintain strict political neutrality and guarantee equal protection for the lawful activities of all political parties, candidates and supporters.

He warned that actual or perceived partisanship by security personnel could damage public confidence, as political activities intensifies ahead of 2027 general elections.

According to him, Nigeria’s security challenges require cooperation among institutions, political stakeholders, communities and citizens.

He maintained that credible elections required not only independent electoral institutions, but also a secure environment in which political parties could campaign peacefully and citizens exercise their democratic rights without intimidation.

Ngogbehei reaffirmed TMS’s commitment to constructive political engagement, institutional accountability and democratic stability, saying that allegations of wrongdoings should ultimately be resolved through evidence, due process and rule of law.

“Our democracy needs a responsible opposition, professional security agencies and leaders who place national interest above political differences,” he said.(NAN)
Edited by Wale Sadeeq