ABUJA: Popular Nigerian social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as has claimed that he was contacted by the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding an alleged plan to stage a nationwide protest tied to the dispute between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The controversy follows INEC’s recent decision to suspend recognition of the ADC leadership, led by former Senate President David Mark (national chairman) and former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola (national secretary).
This action reportedly stemmed from an Appeal Court ruling and a legal challenge filed by a factional leader of the party, Nafiu Bala Gombe.
The suspension has caused confusion within opposition circles, particularly among figures who had rallied behind the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
There are growing concerns that the party may mobilize nationwide protests, accusing the government of President Bola Tinubu of orchestrating the leadership crisis.
In a video shared on his Facebook page, VDM said an agent of DSS contacted him to question the alleged protest plan.
This morning, I got a call from a DSS official who asked about the reason for a protest we were supposedly planning.
I asked him, ‘What protest?’ because I am not planning any demonstration anywhere.
He said that according to reports, I and some others intended to cause unrest across the country.
He claimed that the ADC had contracted me to lead the protest on their behalf due to the INEC dispute. I told him I am non-partisan and not supporting ADC anywhere, VDM explained.
The incident has sparked further discussions on freedom of expression, political activism, and government surveillance, especially amid rising tensions in Nigeria’s political landscape.
