- PDP alleges security operatives abducted its candidate and 25 supporters in Kaduna.
- Incident reportedly occurred at a hotel in Malali during a search for a campaign official.
- Party accuses the APC of using state power to intimidate the opposition.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has raised alarm over the alleged abduction of its House of Representatives candidate, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, along with 25 of the party’s supporters, ahead of the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the state PDP Chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna on Saturday, claimed that the arrests were carried out by a combined team of security operatives at a hotel in the Malali area.
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According to Masha, the raid was initially aimed at apprehending the PDP Campaign Council Chairman, Hon. Hussein Ahmed-Kero. However, when operatives failed to locate him, they allegedly detained Dawaki and several others instead.
“This act of intimidation and harassment, reportedly sponsored by the APC, is unacceptable and must be condemned,” Masha stated.
He called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Chief of Defence Staff to immediately intervene and ensure the release of those allegedly taken into custody.
Describing the incident as an abuse of power, the PDP chairman appealed to civil society groups and pro-democracy advocates to speak out against actions he claimed were designed to suppress voters and undermine democratic principles.
Masha further alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) resorted to such tactics out of fear of losing the election. “The APC’s desperation is obvious. This is the final act of a party sensing rejection. But no amount of intimidation can change the will of the people,” he added.
The PDP assured its members and supporters of its commitment to defending their rights and vowed to keep the public informed of ongoing developments.
