The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned what it described as an “orchestrated clampdown” on its members by the Governor Uba Sani-led administration.
The PDP specifically condemned the continued detention of its House of Representatives candidate for Chikun/Kajuru federal constituency in the recent by-election, Esther Dawaki and the campaign director-general, Shehu Fatangi, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
It also alleged abuse of state power and a calculated attempt to silence the opposition ahead of the recently conducted Chikun/Kajuru federal constituency by-election.
In a statement issued yesterday and signed by the state party chairman, Edward Masha, PDP accused security and anti-graft agencies of being weaponized against its key political actors.
According to the statement, Dawaki was invited by the EFCC on Monday but was subsequently detained without bail.
The party noted that Fatangi has remained in EFCC custody for over 12 days despite meeting the conditions for administrative bail.
“It is shameful and dangerous for democracy that our candidate and DG are being held without justification. This is a deliberate ploy to intimidate our party, demoralize our supporters and manipulate the electoral process,” Masha said.
The PDP further alleged that the Uba Sani administration, had prior to the August 16 bye-election, deployed a state-backed security outfit known as Operation Fushin Kada to raid a hotel used by the campaign committee as its operational base.
The party claimed that the team “abducted” its candidate, campaign officials and allegedly made away with funds meant for the logistics and welfare of its agents.
It added that the campaign DG was subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) and later paraded as a suspect in alleged vote-buying before being transferred to the EFCC.
“This action is a clear demonstration of executive rascality and a shameless attack on democracy,” Masha said, warning that the party would not fold its arms and watch its members persecuted.
The party called on the EFCC chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede to immediately intervene and secure the release of its detained members, warning that failure to do so may trigger mass protests across Kaduna State.
“The PDP is committed to defending democracy in Kaduna State at all costs. If the EFCC fails to release our members, we will mobilize and occupy their facility. Enough is enough,” the statement added.
As at press time, there was no official response from the EFCC or the Kaduna state government regarding the allegations.
