The Department of State Services (DSS) has increased its protective measures for major political figures ahead of the 2027 presidential election, as political activities are expected to intensify across the country.
Among those covered by the enhanced security arrangement are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, ex-Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
A security official disclosed that the arrangement was not designed exclusively for opposition politicians. According to the source, presidential candidates from different political parties, together with their running mates, are receiving security protection as preparations for the next general elections gather momentum.
The arrangement also extends to governorship candidates and their deputies in the various states. Security personnel have reportedly been instructed to monitor locations identified as possible centres of electoral tension or violence.
The latest development comes shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) published the names and particulars of individuals participating in the 2027 governorship and State House of Assembly elections.
A security source said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed the relevant agencies to ensure that politicians receive adequate protection throughout the electoral period.
The source explained that the directive was intended to promote a secure and impartial political environment, regardless of the party affiliation of individual candidates.
According to the official, the President wants the election to be conducted in a manner that reflects democratic principles and provides every contestant with a fair opportunity.
The source stated that the DSS had already strengthened the personnel assigned to presidential candidates and their deputies, adding that some politicians had submitted specific requests concerning their preferred security arrangements.
The official stressed that no candidate was being excluded from the protective programme, saying sufficient personnel were being deployed to provide security for those involved in the elections.
The same arrangement is expected to apply to governorship contestants as campaign activities expand across the states.
The source said the objective was to enable candidates to conduct their campaigns without unnecessary security concerns while also helping authorities maintain order throughout the election period.
In addition to protecting individuals, the DSS is said to be conducting security assessments to identify communities and locations where political activities could trigger clashes.
Areas regarded as potential flashpoints are reportedly receiving increased attention, particularly those where competition for National Assembly and State House of Assembly seats could lead to heightened tensions.
The official clarified that the DSS operation would complement, rather than replace, the responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
The protection programme is expected to form part of a coordinated security framework involving multiple government agencies as the country approaches the 2027 polls.
Political alignments have continued to take shape ahead of the election. Atiku is expected to fly the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with Amaechi reportedly serving as his running mate.
Obi is linked to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket, with Kwankwaso expected to feature alongside him. President Tinubu is seeking another term under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
INEC has also published the names of several other presidential contenders, including 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.
The electoral body has equally released lists of governorship candidates across several states, reflecting the increasingly competitive nature of the 2027 contests.
