The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, have criticised the Federal Government and the security agencies over what they called the physical harassment of the party’s presidential candidate. The PDP claimed that a special security squad of army, police and paramilitary agencies was unleashed on Atiku. The party further alleged that while they could not find incriminating items on him, they tampered with some of his gadgets and personal documents, including his campaign materials.

The presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, had alleged that on his return from Dubai, he was unusually searched by security agents with the aim of intimidating him. Although he did not mention the number of security men that searched him or his luggage or aircraft, Atiku said the plan was to intimidate him and his staff.