The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed outrage over the detention of its candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, and the party’s Campaign Director General, Alhaji Shehu Fatangi.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday in Kaduna, the State Chairman of the PDP, Sir Edward Percy Masha, described the arrests as an attack on opposition voices and a dangerous signal for Nigeria’s democracy. He noted that Dawaki was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, August 25, but has since been held in custody. Meanwhile, Fatangi has reportedly been in detention for 12 days despite fulfilling bail conditions.
“We find this development deeply troubling. It raises serious concerns about whether opposition parties are being deliberately silenced ahead of elections. Our demand is simple: the immediate release of our candidate and Campaign DG,” Masha declared.
According to the PDP, its campaign activities during the August 16 bye-election were also disrupted by security operations, a move the party says unfairly hindered its ability to mobilize supporters and canvass votes.
The party chairman warned that unless the detained officials are released promptly, the PDP in Kaduna may have no option but to mobilize its supporters for peaceful demonstrations. He further appealed to EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, to step in and ensure justice is served, stressing that the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process must not be compromised.
Masha assured party faithful that the PDP in Kaduna would continue to stand firm in defense of democracy, fairness, and the rights of its members, no matter the intimidation or political pressure.
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