By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has accused the Governor Uba Sani-led administration of using security and anti-graft agencies to clamp down on opposition figures ahead of the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election.
The party alleged that its candidate, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, was on Monday, August 25, invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and subsequently detained without bail.
It added that its Campaign Director-General, Alhaji Shehu Fatangi, has also been in EFCC custody for the past 12 days despite reportedly meeting all conditions for administrative bail.
PDP chairman in the state, Sir Edward Masha, who signed a statement on Tuesday, described the detentions as “illegal” and “a blatant abuse of power.”
He recalled that on August 16, during the bye-election, a security outfit of the state government known as Operation Fushin Kada allegedly raided a hotel used as the party’s campaign office, arrested its candidate and party leaders, and confiscated funds meant for election logistics.
Masha further alleged that the campaign DG was later handed over to the Department of State Services and paraded as a PDP agent caught with money for vote buying before being transferred to the EFCC.
“The action is a clear demonstration of executive rascality and a shameless attack on democracy,” the statement partly read.
The PDP demanded the immediate release of its detained members and warned that failure to do so could force the party to mobilise its members to occupy the EFCC office in Kaduna.
Masha also appealed to EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, to intervene and prevent the situation from escalating.
“The PDP will not sit idly by while government agencies are used to intimidate and oppress its members,” he added.
