- Also Govs, NASS, State Assembly candidates
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately provide comprehensive security cover for all presidential candidates and their running mates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The directive, issued on Thursday, extends to the presidential tickets of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi; and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) — Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as well as all other parties on the ballot.
A reports quoting Presidency sources said the President ordered “non-partisan protective measures for all presidential candidates and their deputies, no matter how toxic their campaign tactics may be.”
“The president is determined to win a free and fair poll. As a democrat, he has charged security agencies to ensure a level-playing field for all,” one of the sources reportedly said.
The DSS has since commenced deployment, with operatives assigned to protective duties around the candidates. Some candidates have also submitted specifications for their preferred security architecture, which the Service is reviewing.
Security measures extended to Govs, NASS, States Assembly candidates
The security arrangement will not be limited to the presidential race.
Governorship candidates and their deputies nationwide will also enjoy DSS cover throughout the campaign period.
In addition, candidates contesting National Assembly and State House of Assembly seats in areas identified as potential flashpoints will receive increased security attention.
“States likely to be flashpoints have been identified and placed under surveillance for National Assembly and State House of Assembly Elections,” the source disclosed.
The overall objective, the Presidency stated, is “to ensure a campaign free of inhibitions and a hitch-free election.”
The directive comes as political activities intensify ahead of the January 2027 polls, with parties already holding strategy meetings and planning rallies.
Security agencies have flagged concerns over political violence, intimidation and attacks on campaign convoys in previous election cycles.
By placing all candidates under state protection early, the Tinubu administration says it seeks to remove security as a factor that could distort the contest and to guarantee that voters hear all sides without fear.
The DSS is expected to liaise with the Nigeria Police Force, INEC and state governments to coordinate the deployment and to monitor threat levels in real time.