Nigeria’s 2027 election story is becoming more intense even before the major campaign battles begin, with fresh controversy involving African Action Congress candidate Omoyele Sowore and the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Sowore has accused the Department of State Services of placing a tracking device under a security vehicle used by his team during his visit to Port Harcourt, Rivers State. At the same time, the APC is pushing back against reports that it withdrew its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council list after criticism over its composition.
The two developments highlight different sides of the political battle ahead: opposition claims of state pressure and the ruling party’s efforts to organise for another presidential campaign.
Sowore Alleges DSS Surveillance in Port Harcourt
The DSS tracker allegation began after the AAC presidential candidate said his team noticed unusual vehicle movements following an event in Port Harcourt.
According to Sowore, they changed vehicles and later discovered an electronic device attached underneath the security vehicle they had been using. He alleged that the device was evidence that the DSS had been monitoring his movements since he arrived in the city for the Nigerian Bar Association’s annual conference.
Sowore described the alleged surveillance as evidence that authorities are concerned about his political activities.
However, there is an important caveat. The DSS has not publicly responded to the allegation, and there is currently no independent verification that the device was planted by the agency. The identity and purpose of the device have also not been independently established.
APC Denies Withdrawing its Campaign Council
While Sowore and the DSS dominate one side of the political conversation, another controversy is developing within the ruling party.
The APC has denied reports that it withdrew its APC 2027 campaign council list for review. National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka described the reports as rumours and said any changes to the list would be formally announced.
The controversy followed criticism of some names included in the council and concerns about influential figures who were reportedly left out.
The council is important because it provides the structure through which President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign will be organised. Tinubu is listed as chairman, while Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda are among the senior figures in the structure.
Why the 2027 Election Drama Matters Already
The 2027 election is still months away, but the political battle is already becoming a contest over trust.
Sowore’s allegation will likely fuel arguments about how opposition politicians are treated by state institutions. The APC campaign council dispute, meanwhile, shows that even the ruling party faces questions about how it will manage its political machinery.
The opposition also remains divided, with Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi yet to agree on a single presidential candidate. That fragmentation could become important if Tinubu’s campaign successfully consolidates the ruling party’s support.
For voters, the bigger story may be what happens next. As the 2027 election campaign develops, allegations, counter-allegations and political alliances are likely to become just as important as the candidates’ policy promises.
One thought on “2027 Election: Sowore Alleges DSS Surveillance as APC Faces Campaign Council Drama”