The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that security operatives, acting on the directives of Governor Uba Sani, abducted its candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, along with 25 other party members. The party described the incident as a misuse of state power and a threat to democracy.
In a statement released on Saturday by the PDP’s state chairman, Edward Percy Masha, the party claimed that a joint security task force known as Operation Fushin Kada reportedly controlled by the Kaduna State Government raided City Den Hotel in Malali, Kaduna, in an attempt to arrest the PDP Campaign Council Chairman, Hon. Hussein Ahmed-Kero. When they could not find him, the armed operatives allegedly seized Dawaki and 25 others staying at the hotel.
The PDP has called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Chief of Defence Staff to intervene immediately. The party labeled the incident an abuse of power aimed at suppressing opposition voices ahead of the upcoming bye-election.
Additionally, the PDP urged civil society organizations and pro-democracy advocates to oppose what it termed an attack on democratic principles in Kaduna State.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had scheduled the bye-election to fill the vacant Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
The PDP’s statement read in part: “We condemn this act of intimidation and demand the immediate release of our candidate and members. We call on security chiefs and the President to halt this abuse of authority. The PDP will not be silenced, and we urge the public to resist any attempts to manipulate the electoral process.”
The party accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of resorting to forceful tactics due to fear of defeat, vowing to continue defending the rights of voters and ensuring a fair election. Further updates on the situation were promised.
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