By-elections: Kaduna PDP Condemns Arrest Of Members, Says Party Can’t Be Intimidated

The chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State, Edwards Marshal, has reaffirmed the party’s unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and accountability, vowing that no amount of intimidation or harassment from state actors will deter the party from fulfilling its constitutional role as a watchdog of governance.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna on Saturday, the party chairman said the PDP was founded on integrity and service to humanity, stressing that due process, respect for the constitution, and freedom of expression remain central to its operations.

“When I assumed office as PDP chairman, I made a clear commitment to help rebuild the party, uphold our constitution, and ensure government is held accountable. Our criticism of the government is not driven by political ambition, but by the desire to ensure the right thing is done,” he said.

According to him, the PDP’s interventions in the state have yielded tangible results, stressing that the state government only swore in officials appointed in January after the party’s press conference exposed the delay.

“We drew the attention of government to their unfulfilled promises – including the pledge to provide vehicles to ease hardship. A few weeks later, vehicles appeared on the streets. This is what it means to be a responsible opposition,” he noted.

He, however, decried what he described as “desperate tactics” by the ruling party in Kaduna State, accusing it of using security operatives to stifle opposition activities on the ongoing by-elections in three state constituencies, including Zaria.

He alleged that security operatives stormed the PDP campaign office in the Zaria area in a failed attempt to arrest the campaign chairman, and in the process, arrested over 25 PDP stakeholders, including the state party secretary, zonal chairman, youth leader, women leaders, a House of Assembly member, and even staff of the chairman.

“This gestapo-style operation is nothing but an attempt to intimidate us,” he said. “I want to say this clearly – PDP will not be intimidated under my watch. We have the support of the people, and come election day, the people will decide.”

The chairman further revealed that the arrested PDP agents, who were in possession of logistical funds meant for over 6,000 party officials, were accused of vote-buying without evidence.

He also criticised the security agencies, alleging that they were being used to target the opposition unjustly. “It is unfortunate if the Nigerian police have compromised to this level,” he added.

On the recent peace accord signed by political parties in the state, he disclosed that he initially refused to sign it until concerns about fairness and security were addressed.

“How can you guarantee peace after an election when the process is already flawed by design?” he queried.

The chairman urged PDP members and supporters to remain strong and resolute in their quest for change, urging them to “vote their conscience” and not be swayed by intimidation or inducements.

“We are confident that in a free and fair election, PDP will emerge victorious by God’s grace,” he stated.