The Department of State Services (DSS) has intensified security arrangements for presidential candidates and their running mates ahead of the 2027 general elections, with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso among those covered by the measures.

The development comes as political parties and their candidates prepare to commence intensive campaigns ahead of the presidential election scheduled for January 2027.

According to a security source, the protective measures were extended to all 18 presidential candidates and their deputies, irrespective of their political affiliations or campaign rhetoric.

The source said President Bola Tinubu directed security agencies to provide non-partisan protection for all presidential candidates to guarantee a level playing field and prevent violence during the campaign period.

“Tinubu is determined to win a free and fair poll. As a democrat, he has security agencies to ensure a level-playing field for all,” the source said.

The DSS has also extended the security arrangement to governorship candidates and their running mates across the country, while candidates for the National and State Houses of Assembly in areas identified as potential flashpoints are being placed under heightened surveillance.

The source said the service had deployed additional personnel for protective duties and was responding to individual security requirements presented by some of the candidates.

“The DSS has beefed up security for presidential candidates and their deputies. Some of them have even come up with specifications of their security architecture.

“All the candidates are being taken care of. The DSS is deploying enough manpower for protective duties,” the source said.

The presidential race includes the incumbent President and All Progressives Congress candidate, Tinubu; Atiku, who is contesting on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform; and Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate.

Amaechi is Atiku’s running mate on the ADC ticket, while Kwankwaso is Obi’s running mate on the NDC platform.

Other presidential candidates listed include 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 Action Alliance (AA).

Others are Adenuga Sunday of the BP, Memeh Samuel of the Democratic Labour Alliance (DLA), Anyanwu Daniel Danerechukwu of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Okereke Sunday Chibuzor of the Labour Party (LP), Okereke Iken Esther of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Abbas-Bin Aliyu of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Dikwa Suleiman Mohammed of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Adebayo Adewole Ebenezer of the ADP, Makinde Oluseyi Abiodun of the Action Peoples Movement (APM), and Yusuf Kabiru of the Allied Peoples Party (APP).

The security source said governorship candidates and their deputies were also receiving protection as part of the broader security strategy.

“The overall aim is to ensure a campaign for all free of inhibitions and a hitch-free election,” the source added.

States considered vulnerable to election-related violence have also reportedly been identified for enhanced surveillance, particularly in the lead-up to National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections.

The source, however, stressed that the DSS initiative was not intended to interfere with security arrangements being made by the Nigeria Police Force and other agencies.

The heightened security comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) publishes the list of candidates for the governorship and State House of Assembly elections, signalling an intensification of political activities ahead of the 2027 polls.